2014KenWrightFreedom2014 Ken Wright, Pinot Noir, Freedom Hill Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
The 2014 vintage is looking good, in fact those that want to invest in a little vino might start to spend, this is going to be a year to buy, it reminds me of 2006 and 2004 with rich fruit intensity and great structure, it is also a vintage that is showing remarkably well straight away, this is especially true of the new set of releases from Ken Wright! These are going to be stars to look for, with Shea, Abbott Claim and this Freedom Hill Vineyards all amazing efforts, with only the Shea being still a bit tight, and for Ken Wright, this is pretty impressive as most vintages need about 3 to 5 years before beginning to show the potential in the bottle. The 2014 Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot from Ken Wright is from the western coastal ranges area of the Willamette, west of Carlton, it is an area of Oregon that is getting more and more attention, though Freedom Hill has always been highly regarded, and the wine shows why with gorgeous purity of fruit, mineral tones, spice, acidity and solid tannins that frame this wonderful Pinot Noir. The year was ripe and delivered dark flavors and deep layers, but balance is sublime, on the palate there is the pleasure of richness, but delicacy of details and racy energy with charming vitality and verve. The reaction is emotional, like a great Burgundy this wine makes an impact, the nose is slightly floral with rose petals, dried violets along with the impression of blueberry, peppered berries and a hint of char leading to a mouth filled with blackberry, plum and a core of dense cherry fruit as well as basil, anise, saline, pebbly stones, smoky vanilla and cedar/walnut. This Pinot feels silken with air, but firms again with vigor, this is classy and wildly entertaining even so brutally young, this is an awesome effort from Ken Wright, don’t miss his 2014’s, best to hold them a few years for the greatest of rewards, drink from 2016 to 2025.
($62 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive

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