Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir Vintage Notes
The 2009 Vintage
Unlike 2008 we had a rapid start to the 2009
vintage and remained about three weeks ahead of "normal" through most of
the summer. Other crops, such as wheat, were paralleling our pattern
and maturing early as well. That all changed with the last week of
July. We saw record heat levels averaging over 100 degrees and peaking
at 107. The response by the vines was to shut down physiologically
to conserve moisture. They went into a stall that lingered for several
weeks then ramped up again in mid August.
Labor
Day weekend brought a weather system through that resulted in an inch of
rainfall. The berries bloated slightly but splitting was minor. This
was immediately followed by two days of "Santa Ana like" drying winds. The
slightly bloated berries reversed direction and desiccated significantly. In
thirty three years I have never seen shriveling of that magnitude or that
early in the season. The physical look, or morphology, of the fruit
was worrisome. We were concerned that the fruit would have over ripe
aromas and flavors in the spectrum of raisin or prune. There was
a strong temptation to pick early and avoid any further tests from mother
nature. Instead, we decided to trust our instincts and wait for the
attributes that we always look to in determining true maturity. Seed
color, juice color, the separation of the seed from the pulp, the separation
of the pulp from the skin and most importantly the depth of flavor when
tasting in the field. So we waited... and waited. Once the stars
aligned and all of the aforementioned qualities were in place we moved
quickly to bring the fruit in house and out of harms way.
We
were more than a little anxious as we brought the first fermenters to the
press. To our delight the new wine possessed no over ripe qualities
at all. The aromatic profiles were of fresh and lively fruit and
the wine, now six months in barrel, continues to display those fresh fruit
qualities. The lesson learned is that what you see is not necessarily
what you get.
The 2008 Vintage
This vintage started out cool and remained cool throughout the year. In fact,
we had one of the coldest winters and the latest spring snowfall in Oregons
recorded history. We were well behind entering September and concerned that
we would ever get enough heat to bring the fruit to physiological ripeness.
After the sixth of October the mild wet pattern we had been experiencing broke
and gave way to over 20 straight days of clear warm weather. Fall colors were
the most vivid any of us have seen in Oregon. The prolonged dry spell gave all
of our sites the opportunity to ripen slowly and evenly. 2008 has natural levels
of acidity comparable to 1999 and like that vintage should age effortlessly.
The 2007 Vintage
This vintage is our greatest accomplishment given the potentially disastrous
curve balls thrown by mother nature. The biggest, one that Sandy Koufax couldn’t
possibly match, was an eight day period beginning in late September over which
we received five inches of rain. This weather event began just before our earliest
vineyards were achieving ripeness so there was not an option to pick prior
to the deluge.
Fortunately, the same period had very cool temperatures so disease was held in
check. Once the skies cleared we sampled each site daily and harvested as each
achieved ripeness though each was still diluted by the excessive rainfall. Using
technology that we almost never employ we were able to remove the excess rainfall
and return the fruit to the levels of concentration that we had previously had.
Terrific farming by our team and a little science produced terrific wines of
balance and density. Mindful of 1991 which turned out to be the real surprise
of the 1990’s.
The 2006 Vintage
An exceptionally warm and dry vintage. With attentive and detailed winemaking
we produced lush palate pleasing wines. These are in your face, love me
tonight wines about which no one will be saying “this just needs a little
time”.
Be aware that when 1992 (warmer year than 2003 or 2006) developed quickly
we alerted our customers to the fact that 1992 possibly would not age terribly
long. I have had two of those bottlings from the cellars of friends over
the last year that were outstanding. Nonetheless, be prepared for 2006
to have a shorter life span (please refer to the aging chart).
The 2005 Vintage
A very balanced vintage given to us by mother nature that needed zero winemaking
intervention. 2005 was a year of “moderation”. Moderate acidity, alcohol,
intensity and color have combined to produce a complex vintage that will
age well.
This reminds us of the outstanding 1988, 2000 and 2002 vintages.
The 2004 Vintage
An awesome Spring that had us three weeks ahead of normal gave way to cool
and wet weather in the first week of June. This inclement weather coincided
with flowering in most of our vineyard sites. As a result, natural crop
levels averaged a microscopic 0.8 tons per acre.
The combination of a small crop and the great spring weather gave us an
early harvest which began on the 9th of September. The wines are expressive,
balanced, elegant and age-worthy
The 2003 Vintage
A very cool and wet spring was reason for concern until we saw an incredible
turnaround in the first week of June. Reliable statistical weather data
has been kept since 1924. In 2003 the months of June, July, August and
September were the hottest ever recorded with the exception of one year,
1967.
The record levels of heat produced fruit with exceptionally high sugar
levels and resulting alcohol. The wines are broad shouldered, concentrated
and dark as a moonless night.
The 2002 Vintage
A particularly warm and beautiful growing season produced fruit with the
highest sugar concentrations we had experienced to date. The '02 vintage
has the potential to be on par with 1990, our favorite. Across the board
the wines are rich, balanced and detailed. These are big wines for the
variety but are not overblown.
The 2001 Vintage
The vintage produced complex, fragrant and textural wines. Our aggressive cutting-edge
techniques in the vineyard allowed all of our sites to fully ripen prior to
any fall rains. The harvest of Oregon vineyards prior to eventual fall rain
is the most significant test we face each year.
The 2000 Vintage
Warmer than average growing season gave us opulent fruit that has resulted in
forward, lush wines. All of our sites display focused and vibrant aromatics
and flavors. These are wines to be enjoyed near and mid-term.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.