Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir 2023, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Located in rural Carlton, Oregon, Ken Wright Cellars is devoted to showcasing the inherent quality of selected vineyard sites. With a clarity and breadth that is unequaled by other varieties, they believe Pinot Noir best expresses the character of these sites. More than any other variety, Pinot Noir has very specific climatic needs. While other varieties can adapt to variable conditions, Pinot Noir can be rather finicky, achieving success in only a handful of places in the world. Nestled between the lower elevation Coast Range to the west, and higher elevation Cascade Range to the east, the Northern Willamette Valley is one of those very special places where Pinot Noir excels. By worldwide standards, it is extremely cool, and yet it enjoys a long growing season. This extended season or ‘hangtime’ provides time for the complete development of flavor, aroma and texture. All of the successful vineyards of this area are planted on hillsides between 200 and 700 feet in elevation, in well-drained soil. The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of Ken Wright’s traditional vineyards. 2023 vintage – Teeming with fresh red and blue fruits surrounded with savory notes of leather, cola, and hints of clove. The palate is exceptionally balanced with an energetic texture and finish. Vintage 2023 was a banner year. Good crop levels, plenty of heat to ripen properly and had a long season with extended hang time. The weather was very mild, avoiding extremes of cold or heat. There were no frost scares at the start of the season and only two days at 100 degrees in the entire growing season. All great wine is about balance. This year the beautiful array of aromatics, plush texture and the frame of acidity are seriously compelling. Matured in a combination of stainless steel andneutral French oak barrels.

$34.99