Over 40 years of wine making has taught Ken a simple truth: source is everything. Located, in rural Carlton, Oregon, Ken Wright Cellars is devoted to producing wine that showcase the inherent quality of world class vineyard sites. With a clarity and breadth that is unequaled, Pinot noir is the ultimate vehicle for conveying the aroma, flavor and texture of the location in which it is grown.

In 1986, with family, belongings and 10 barrels in tow, Ken moved to McMinnville and started Panther Creek Cellars. His concept of focusing on vineyard-designate bottling began during those years at Panther Creek and this was cemented as a core philosophy in 1994 when Ken Wright Cellars was founded. Ken Wright Cellars now produces a single vineyard Pinot Noir from 13 different vineyard sites in the Northern Willamette Valley.

Our approach to the craft of wine growing is one of stewardship rather than manipulation. We use organic certified practices as a base and expand upon that with advanced nutrition-based farming. By analyzing both our soil profile and vines, maintaining proper crop levels, personally sampling each vineyard, and hand-sorting each cluster, we ensure that the inherent character in the fruit is revealed in the finished wine. Minimal handling of wine is essential to preserve what it is; a gift of nature.

The 2021 Vintage
Our crop level averaged just under three tons this year which was perfect for the accumulated heat we experienced over the growing season. Disease was nonexistent with the dry conditions of the summer months and the fermentation’s proceeded perfectly with nary a one going “sideways” on us. The new wine in barrel is rich, expressive, detailed and deeply colored.

Organic certified, biodynamic, sustainable, nutrition-based farming.

The main development of the Eola Hills area took place from the mid 1970’s through the early 1980’s. The most common soil type of the area is described as Nekia. These volcanic soils are shallower, generally 1 to 3 feet in depth, and have less clay than the Dundee Hills. As a result, these soils will dry sooner, encouraging earlier ripening of the fruit. The wines of this area typically possess aromas of black and blue fruits, black cherry, plum and cassis, with acidity levels that are naturally higher than in other growing areas, contributing to structure and the ability to age.

TASTING NOTES: Blue and black fruit focused—Vibrant on the palate with fruits of blackberry, black raspberry and fresh fig. Integrated, silky tannins envelop earthy notes of brioche, cedar and new leather.

VINTAGE: Our crop level averaged just under three tons this year which was perfect for the accumulated heat we experienced over the growing season. Disease was nonexistent with the dry conditions of the summer months and the fermentation’s proceeded perfectly with nary a one going “sideways” on us. The wine is rich, expressive, detailed and deeply colored.

AGING REGIME: 10-11 months in 20% new French oak barrels
ALCOHOL: 13.3% pH: 3.52 TA: 5.1 g/L
PRODUCTION: 667 cases

Oregon Promise:

Oregon Promise guarantees full transparency. We want you to experience the unique and special wine that is 100% Oregon.

When you pour a glass of wine that has the Oregon Promise trademark, admire the exquisite color, enjoy the fragrant aromas, take that first sip, you can be assured that what you are experiencing is 100% of the stated grape varietal(s) from 100% of the stated source(s).