2012KWGuadalupe2012 Ken Wright, Pinot Noir “Guadalupe Vineyard” Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Of Ken Wright’s fantastic 2012 releases the Guadalupe Vineyard is the most open and expressive at this stage, though still needs a year or so to fill out, this wine has potential and real class. Again, this is one of the finest vintages for Oregon Pinot I’ve tasted so far, for raw material, everything looks set to be sublime, these Ken Wright’s taste like young Grand Cru Burgundies, I can’t wait to see them in their full glory, maybe within 4 to 5 years time, the results and rewards should be truly special. The 2012 Ken Wright Guadalupe Pinot starts with a graphite, violets, game and plum nose leading to a vigorous palate of blackberry, cherry and strawberry fruits with a mineral streak, forest floor earthiness, tea and pepper spices along with some sweet and subtle oak notes. There is a juicy acidic core and some fine tannins which keep the wine from showing it’s full complexity yet and while it does open with air, it really should be cellared short term at least, drink 2017-2022.
($48 Est.) 92-93 Points, grapelive

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