Aging Chart

When to drink Ken Wright Cellars Pinot noir

Given perfect cellaring conditions:

Constant 55-degree temperature & 70% humidity, and a dark environment. 
  

 

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000
 

 Abbey Ridge

   

Now-
2005

 

Now-
2008

2002-
2010

Now-
2010

 Arcus

       

Now-
2009

2003-
2012

Now-
2011

 Canary Hill

Now-
2003

Now-
2002

Now-
2005

Now-
2004

Now-
2008

2002-
2010

Now-
2010

 Carter

Now-
2006

Now-
2003

Now-
2007

Now-
2005

2003-
2012

2004-
2015

2003-
2014

 Elton

     

Now-
2004

2003-
2010

2004-
2012

2003-
2012

 Freedom Hill

Now-
2006

Now-
2003

Now-
2007

Now-
2005

2003-
2012

2004-
2015

2003-
2014

 Guadalupe
 (Abbey Hts)

Now-
2004

Now-
2003

Now-
2006

Now-
2004

Now-
2009

2002-
2013

Now-
2011

 McCrone

   

Now-
2006

Now-
2005

Now-
2010

2003-
2013

Now-
2012

 Nysa

       

Now-
2008

2002-
2011

Now-
2010

 Shea

Now-
2003

Now-
2002

Now-
2004

Now-
2004

Now-
2009

2002-
2012

Now-
2011

 Wahle

       

Now-
2009

2002-
2012

Now-
2011

 Whistling
  Ridge

   

Now-
2005

Now-
2003

 

2002-
2010

Now-
2010

 
Chart shows broad spans of drinkability: earlier in the range will exhibit fresh, vibrant fruit; for people who prefer a mature pinot – look toward the latter half of the time span. 

 

 

 

 

The 1994 Vintage

Poor weather at bloom gave extremely reduced crop levels. Temperatures soared at harvest, which caused a rapid rise in sugars. The wines are quite ripe, but have little acidity. These are plush wines though not terribly complex. 

The 1995 Vintage

Significant rainfall at harvest caused some dilution and a percentage of rot. Intensive sorting helped us to create clean and pleasant wines. They are not intense, but are currently showing a measure of elegance and finesse. 

The 1996 Vintage

Higher acids than usual in this vintage. Aromas have been rather subdued because of the acidity levels; i.e. tight. Many are just now beginning to open up. These should generally be long-lived wines. 

The 1997 Vintage

Very high natural crop levels required heavy thinning. Wines from the Yamhill Foothill Area are quite ripe. Those from the volcanic sites tend to be more feminine: pretty aromas & subtle textures. This vintage contains higher than usual amounts of sediment. Decanting is recommended. 

The 1998 Vintage

Extremely low crop levels in the Dundee Hills & Yamhill Foothills, and normal crop levels in the Eola Hills. Very ripe fruit from all sites w/ slightly lower than usual acidity levels. These will be pleasing wines in their youth & they should all have moderate ability to age. 

The 1999 Vintage

One of the finest vintages in Oregon’s winegrowing history. We had clear sunny days though the end of October without excessive heat. This gave us tremendous hang time without the loss of acidity. Across the board, the wines are extremely ripe w/ excellent structure and layers of texture.