Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2020

Winery Background and History

Ken Wright Cellars, established in 1994 in Carlton, Oregon, is renowned for producing single-vineyard Pinot Noir wines that express the unique terroir of each site. Ken Wright, the founder and winemaker, has been instrumental in elevating Oregon’s Willamette Valley to international acclaim, focusing on meticulous vineyard selection and sustainable farming practices. The winery’s philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the character of each vineyard to shine through in the wines.

Producer and Winemaker

Ken Wright, a pioneer in Oregon’s wine industry, brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the region’s viticulture. His approach emphasizes the importance of site-specific wines, with a focus on Pinot Noir. Wright’s dedication to showcasing the distinctiveness of each vineyard has led to collaborations with various growers to produce wines that reflect the unique attributes of their origins.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The 2020 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend sourced from several esteemed vineyards, including Abbott Claim, Bonnie Jean, Hirschy, McCrone, Savoya, Shea, Tanager, Bryce, Latchkey, Canary Hill, Carter, Freedom Hill, and Guadalupe. These vineyards are situated in the Willamette Valley AVA, characterized by a cool climate with significant diurnal temperature variations, promoting slow ripening and the development of nuanced flavors in the grapes. The soils are a mix of marine sediments and volcanic rock, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the complexity and minerality of the wines.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes were hand-harvested and underwent a five-day cold soak in small, one-ton fermentation batches. Selected yeasts were used for fermentation, followed by extended aging in French oak barrels for 10 months. The wine was fined and filtered at the winery prior to bottling, ensuring clarity and stability while preserving the wine’s inherent characteristics.

Tasting Notes

The 2020 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir presents floral notes of magnolia and rose, complemented by candied red fruits and gentle touches of cinnamon and clove on the nose. The palate offers generous flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and plum, intertwined with subtle notes of vanilla cream. Smoothly textured tannins grace the entire palate, leading to a lusciously clean finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its floral and fruit-forward profile. Consider serving it with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. The wine’s acidity and tannin structure also make it a suitable match for dishes featuring earthy flavors, such as lentil stew or roasted root vegetables. Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert can further enhance the wine’s nuanced character.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate the 2020 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, serve it at a temperature of 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 30–60 minutes prior to serving can help open up the wine’s aromatic profile. Use large, tulip-shaped Pinot Noir glasses to concentrate the aromas and allow for proper aeration. Avoid serving the wine too cold, as this can mute its expressive flavors and aromas.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine possesses the structure and balance to age gracefully over the next 5 to 7 years. Stored under optimal conditions—cool temperatures around 12–15°C, with 70% humidity and minimal light exposure—the wine will develop additional complexity, with tertiary notes such as dried fruit, forest floor, and leather emerging over time. Proper cellaring will reward patience, revealing the wine’s full potential.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.4%

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 93 points

• Wine Spectator: 92 points