“Source is Everything.” – Ken Wright

pats self on back

gives self high five

pops Champagne

It’s early in the morning but that’s it, a celebration is in order. Our chests are swelling with pride and Agent Noir keeps asking us to bend a knee and kiss this bottle for whatever reason. I’m thinking his ego just hit Kanye West levels.

So why all the hype?

Simple. We scored another stupefying first - a smokin’ good 94 point Pinot from THE KWC!

For those who aren’t familiar, Ken Wright dominates the Willamette Valley Pinot scene. He is one with the Pinot Noir varietal. The greater portion of his life has centered around it. He worked at Talbott Vineyards, Panther Creek, and then started his own eponymous label in the 1990s. He pioneered a movement focusing on single-vineyard Pinot. He spares no expense and is known to toss aside vast swaths of his harvest to use only the absolute best fruit.

A lively ruby, dancing in reflections of a red velvet robe greets the eye. The perfume is all about dusty cocoa coated ripe cherries with a strawberry rhubarb pie fresh out of the oven feel next. The palate is silky, with pure strawberry jam and raspberry extract all up in your mouth. All this intensity builds to a crescendo of juicy acidity against redolent berries and exotic spices, lasting over a minute with ease. It offers too much complexity to meddle with rich food, while it’d surely elevate a fancy cheese platter.

Ken has way too many accolades, awards, and recognitions to list here, so let’s keep it short and sweet, otherwise, this will sell out before you read it all. Let’s put it this way… if we had the title here in the US, his name would be Sir Ken Wright by now. Wine Spectator called him the “Master of Pinot Noir in Oregon” adding that “Ken Wright Cellars has become a model of consistent excellence, producing 111 wines rated ‘outstanding’ in 18 vintages.” They also remain the ONLY Oregon winery to have ever achieved the “#1 Wine in the World” ranking by Wine Enthusiast as if that wasn’t enough.

The vineyard? Definitely “Grand Cru” level, McCrone is a Ken Wright discovery, and an exclusive source that’s second to none. History geeks ought to read further here, the background is rich and mesmerizing.

A masterpiece of terroir by Ken Wright Cellars at 40% off obviously won’t last, so don’t you snooze.

94 Points, Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast

“This is one of the top vineyard selections in this vintage, among a select group, notable for its outstanding focus and concentration. Still compact, its purple fruits are lightly spiced and deftly balanced; leaving little doubt that further improvement is just around the corner. Drink now through 2035.”