Ken Wright Cellars, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2024 ($25)

For anyone thinking Oregon Pinot Noirs are way too expensive, keep an open mind. Ken Wright does offer a wide range of high end, pricey, single vineyard Pinots that may have contributed to that image, but his basic 2024 Pinot Noir is a class act at a great price. It begins with an alluring bouquet of ripe cherry, raspberry and a subtle earthy-mushroom back note. The plush palate offers plenty of vibrant fruit flavors along with nuanced cinnamon tinges and ultra-soft, integrated tannins. But while the style is elegant and the wine is enjoyable now, it also has some short-term aging potential.
92 Norm Roby