Winery: Ken Wright Cellars

Vintage: 2015

Wine Name/Vineyard: Pinot Noir

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Willamette Valley

State or country: Oregon

Price: $22

ABV: 13.5%

Cases produced: 15,000

The Barrel Cellar Score:  87 points

Review date: Mar 1, 2019

About the Winemaker:  Ken Wright has been making wine in the Willamette Valley since the late 80s.  Since that time, he has gained a reputation for making some of the world’s finest Pinot Noirs and has 13 vineyard sites in the valley.  While he has made his name producing single vineyard bottles, this release is a Pinot sourced from various vineyards.  Ken has been awarded many wine awards and his wines have been favorably recognized by some of the most respected wine reviewing entities.

Color:  Crimson Glory

Nose:  Cherry, rose petal, smoke

Taste:  Cherry, cola, oak, black soil, and raspberry, black pepper on the finish

Assessment: This Ken Wright Cellars release has well balanced tannins and acidity.  It also is a great balance of a new world fruit forwardness and an old world refined finish. This release is earthy, but not in the typical Oregon barnyard/mushroom sort of way.  There are definite hints of a nutrient rich black soil that add a unique character to this wine.  Decant after opening.  Ready to drink now.  Buy some here.

Considering the price many of Ken Wright’s releases demand, as well as the quality of this wine, this release is a great value. Ken Wright Cellars 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a good wine.  87 Points.

Pairing recommendation:  Pair with a duck breast, rabbit, or chocolate covered berries.