Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir Carter Vineyard 2024

Blue and black fruit focused — Dark-fruited and vibrant with cherry, blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, and violets. The palate delivers ripe fruit with lively acid, cola and black cherry. A broad palate with a lingering dark cherry finish.

Carter Vineyard YEAR PLANTED & ACREAGE: 1983, 24.36 acres. SPACING: 9 X 6 ft., 807 vines/acre. ELEVATION & ASPECT: 325 ft., South South-West. CLONES & ROOTSTOCK: Pommard both own-rooted and 3309, Wadenswil both own-rooted and 3309, 115 on 3309, 667 on 3309 & 101-14, 777 on 3309 & 101-14, 177 on Riparia Gloire. MOTHER ROCK: Volcanic. SOIL SERIES: Mostly Nekia. AVA: Eola-Amity Hills.

2024 was an ideal year in the vineyard. The season was long and mild, with only two days reaching 100 degrees and no dramatic shifts in temperature. Higher humidity didn't lead to any disease pressure, and the vines thrived in the steady conditions. Fruit developed early at low sugar levels, and the acids found their balance naturally. This kind of growing season brings depth and nuance- complex aromatics, layered flavor, and a refined texture that speaks to the year's harmony. The wines from 2024 are already showing remarkable character.

Aged 10-11 months in 20% new French oak barrels.

Located in rural Carlton, Oregon, Ken Wright Cellars is devoted to single vineyard Pinot Noir that showcase the terroir of some of the Willamette Valley's top vineyards. Assiduous attention is paid to optimal site selection and vineyard health. Source is everything. When you work with great sites, great things can happen. These great things cannot happen without a commitment by the Vineyard owner to the health of the vineyard and extremely low crop levels that ensure intensity of aroma, flavor and texture. Certain things in this world are better left alone. Minimal handling of the wine is essential to preserve what it is, a gift of nature. This winemaking philosophy defines Ken Wright Cellars. Ken Wright is very active in local charities and was instrumental in organizing the six new American Viticultural Areas that define the Northern Willamette Valley. Ken wrote the proposition for the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and served as the association's first President.