"Anyone looking for Oregon Pinot Noir purity and transparent communication of terroir from the soil to the vine to the bottle must explore Kelley Fox Wines." - Eric Guido, Vinous
Long-time B-21 Pinot Noir fans are now well-familiar with the spectacular offerings from this boutique darling of the Willamette Valley scene. With a critical track record to rival pretty much anyone else in the appellation, Kelley Fox is a bona fide star these days, and we're thrilled to have such an established relationship with her and her wines.
This outstanding set of releases showcases exactly why Eric Guido calls Kelley's wines "one of the most exciting portfolios of wines made in the United States." Her elegant vineyard-expressive Pinot Noirs and energetic Chardonnays are sourced from many of the most iconic vineyard in the Valley. The entire line-up is full of must-try masterpieces, from the 94-point "entry-level" Mirabai to the single-vineyard stunners like the 98-point 2023 Shafer Vineyard and the pair of 2022 standouts from Maresh Vineyard, one of the oldest sites in Oregon. Of these two, it's particularly worth noting that Kelley won't be making wine from Maresh going forward, so get your hands on them now. The whites are equally compelling, and not just the Chards (although these do present some of the sharpest buys in the category, all at under $40). Her Grüner and Pinot Blanc are a testament to her unwavering belief in these varietals, and the critics seem to agree.
Any way you look at it, these are among the most consistently excellent wines out there, not only in Oregon but in the entire country. If you haven't jumped on board the Kelley Fox wagon, you have no idea what you're missing.
A jeweled ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Golden-Crowned Sparrow Blocks is focused in the glass, bringing a more forward intensity to its notes of rosemary, bright botanicals, ripe red berries, and cedar. It has a linear feel on the palate, as well as vertical energy with a defined structure, a chiseled feel. and a long finish. With mineral drive and a savory finish, it’s structured and needs time. Drink 2026-2042.
96+ points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2024)
The 2022 Pinot Noir from the Golden-Crowned Sparrow Blocks is another gorgeous young wine from Kelley Fox. These vines on the Maresh Vineyard were planted between 1978 and 1991, and again, are all ungrafted vines. The bottling included roughly thirty percent whole clusters in this vintage and saw no new oak; it tips the scales at a svelte 12.5 percent octane. The wine’s aromatic constellation is beautiful, offering up a wonderful synthesis of precision and sappiness in its blend of red and black cherries, raw cocoa, complex soil tones, mustard seed, gentle smokiness, a touch of black tea and a beautiful floral topnote redolent of violets and peonies. On the palate the wine is deep, pure and soil-driven, with a beautiful core of fruit, ripe, buried tannins, lovely focus and grip and a long, complex and impeccably balanced finish. This is a gorgeous wine in the making, but it will want some time alone in the cellar before it starts to drink with true generosity. It will be brilliant once it is ready to drink!
95 points, John Gilman, View From The Cellar (Dec 2025)
The 2022 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Golden-Crowned Sparrow Blocks comes from own-rooted vines planted in 1978 and 1991. It was fermented with around 30% whole clusters, and the wine was matured for 10 months in used French oak. It’s bursting with pomegranate, blackberry, blood orange and woodsy undertones. The light-bodied palate pairs concentrated, spicy flavors with soft, tea-like tannins and vibrant acidity, and it has a long, latent finish. 433 cases produced.
94+ points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Dec 2024)
The 2022 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard Golden Crowned Sparrow Blocks is darkly alluring with crushed woodland berries complicated by blood orange and pine hints. Silky textures and stimulating acidity soothe, washing tart red fruits across the palate guided by zesty acidity. This finishes wonderfully fresh and long with a staining of red and black fruit and crunchy tannins.
94 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Jan 2024)
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