2017 Savoya Vineyard Pinot Noir is part of Ken Wright’s single-vineyard project. As one of the pioneers of Oregon winemaking, Ken Wright acquired an intricate knowledge of Willamette Valley. Over four decades, he produced hundreds of award-winning wines for Ken Wright Cellars and other wineries in the region.
Thanks to Ken’s dedication, Pinot Noir lovers have a chance to taste the wine reflecting the vast mosaic of different small plot terroirs of Willamette Valley.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission.
2017 Savoya Vineyard Pinot Noir
In the Bottle
The grapes for Savoya Pinot Noir 2017 came from Savoya Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton AVA in Willamette Valley. The vines are planted at 350-450 feet elevation plots on ancient marine sediment soil.
Ken is very particular about the vine clones, and in this wine, he combined 115, Pommard, 777, 667, and Wadenswil clones of the Pinot Noir. Interestingly, there’s also 3% of Cruz Clone Chardonnay in this wine.
So what does all that mean for the wine itself? How did it taste like?
In the Glass
We sensed some of the aromas we expect from Yamhill-Carlton and more: dried roses, cherry cola, cherry jam, vanilla bean, autumn forest, and toast.
The fruit-forward palate is filled with ripe black cherry, blueberry, marionberry, and Kirsch liqueur.
Finish
The aftertaste of dried cherry and prune lingers for a long time. The fruitiness, balanced acidity, and tannin promise a good ageing potential, and we look forward to tasting it again in 5 to 8 years.
What are your thoughts on Ken Wright’s Pinots if you had a chance to taste them? Any other favorites from Willamette Valley of Oregon?