2004 Ken Wright Pinot Noir 'Carter Vineyard' (Willamette Valley)

Source: Viscount

Consumption Date: 2/18/2012

Notes: Interesting deep earthy, musky aroma that is highly reminiscent of Burgundy (although it doesn’t quite hit “barnyard”).  Surprisingly light bodied with more musky earthiness, mild wood notes, and a modest hint of black cherry fruit that carry through, with a mild mineral tang, on the medium finish.  Mild to moderate tannin.

This wine is carrying through some of the themes I am beginning to associate with Oregon Pinot Noir, although with a bit more complexity and character than the Lemelson Thea’s Selection I recently had.  In particular I am noticing the strong, but not quite Burgudian aromatics, the distinct lightness in body, and the prominence of wood-derived flavor components.  I am finding the light bodied nature of these wines to be a bit off-putting, as this quality does not seem to support the strong flavor profile particularly well.  I am also wondering if these wines should be consumed significantly younger, as they don’t seem to be holding on to a lot of fruit (although it is difficult to determine how much fruit was there to begin with).  I’m more on the fence about Oregon Pinot now than I was previously, but I guess I will have to drink some more of these wines to determine if the first couple I had were exceptional or if the wines I have had recently are more typical.  I will also have to try some younger wines to see what influence age has on them.  Average value.