Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes: From the volcanic soils Eola-Amity Hills, the 2022 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills is a jeweled ruby/magenta color and is expressive in the glass, with notes of raspberry preserve, crushed wildflowers, licorice, and sweet herbs, as well as a sanguine lift with great, ripe purity. Elegant and refined, it reveals fine, ripe tannins, a seamless feel, and more mouthwatering finish. Drink 2025-2037.

Producer: Ken Wright is a towering figure in the evolution of Oregon Pinot Noir, widely recognized for helping to elevate the Willamette Valley to international acclaim. Since founding Ken Wright Cellars in 1994, Wright has been instrumental in championing the concept of terroir-driven wines in Oregon, producing single-vineyard bottlings that highlight the state's diverse soils and microclimates. His approach set a new standard in the region, earning him a reputation as one of the most respected winemakers in the Pacific Northwest. The Eola-Amity Hills AVA, where this wine originates, has long been one of Wright’s focal points, known for producing Pinot Noirs with structure, precision, and a distinct sense of place.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The Eola-Amity Hills AVA benefits from its volcanic soils and the cooling influence of the Van Duzer Corridor, which funnels marine air from the Pacific Ocean through the Coast Range and into the valley. These conditions create wide diurnal temperature swings, promoting vibrant acidity and slow, even ripening. For the 2022 vintage, Wright sourced fruit from several well-established vineyards within the AVA, vinifying each lot separately to preserve the individuality of the sites. The wine was fermented with native yeasts and aged in French oak barrels, with minimal new oak to allow the purity of the fruit and the terroir to shine. The result is a transparent, elegant Pinot Noir that reflects both Wright’s meticulous craftsmanship and the distinct character of the Eola-Amity Hills.