(SONOMA, Calif.)—PinotReport, the newsletter for people passionate about western Pinot Noir, announced the first winners of its annual “Pinot Passion” Awards program in a just-published special issue. Thirty-seven awards in eight categories were given to extraordinary wines and people dedicated to producing the best Pinot Noir in the West. Pinot Noir regions, vineyards and events were recognized as well.
“We created the Pinot Passion Awards to recognize not only the best Pinot Noirs we’ve tasted in a particular year, but also the intensely dedicated and talented people who work so hard to create such incredible wines,” said PinotReport’s Editor and Publisher Gregory S. Walter.

Among the honored was Ken Wright, who was named as one of three Pinot Noir Masters Vintners of 2002. The Top 12 Pinot Noirs of 2002 list included Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley Shea Vineyard 2000.