Ken Wright Pinot Noir "Canary Hill Vineyard" 2021
(Willamette Valley, Oregon) - [WE 96] [WS 94] [JS 93]

About the Winery:
Located in rural Carlton, Oregon, Ken Wright Cellars is devoted to showcasing the inherent quality of selected vineyard sites. With a clarity and breadth that is unequaled by other varieties, the people at Ken Wright cellars believe Pinot noir best expresses the character of these sites. Rather than stamping wine with a varietal trademark, they see Pinot noir as a vehicle for conveying the aroma, flavor and texture of the location in which it is grown.

About this Wine:
Canary Hill may be one of the older vineyards in the Eola Hills of the Willamette Valley, but its modern history is fairly easy to summarize. Ken Wright liked the vineyard so much that he bought the property outright from Dick and Nancy Daniel in 2006. Located under 10 miles from the state capital Salem, it was first planted in 1983, primarily to Pommard clone vines.

Tasting Notes: Blue and black fruit focused— Brilliant fruits of Bing cherry, blackberry and quince are surrounded by floral notes of lilac and hibiscus. Silken and sauve on the palate with a vibrant acidity.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast: 
"The Canary Hill is an aromatic powerhouse, combining blackberries, black tea, wet rocks and bittersweet dark chocolate. The wine's rich, smooth texture is a perfect foil for flavors of cherry-vanilla gelato flecked with dark chocolate chips. There's more than enough acidity and mildly chewy tannins to provide balance." — Michael Alberty (7/1/2023)

94 Points - Wine Spectator: 
"A wine that combines structure and verve, this Pinot is expressive, with raspberry and blueberry flavors laced with crushed stone, anise and dusky spices. Builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031. 608 cases made." - Tim Fish (web only 2023)

93 Points - James Suckling: 
"Excellent concentration to this pinot with mulberries, dark raspberries, cola, cloves and anise on the nose. It’s medium-bodied and focused, with compact tannins and lingering dark spiciness. Drink or hold." (Mar 2023)