One of the Willamette Valley's undisputed boutique darlings, Kelley Fox has racked up one of the most impressive hauls of accolades in the region in recent years, and her wines have become bona fide favorites at B-21. So when we were offered parcels of two of her smallest-production rarities, we jumped at them.
"The 2023 Pinot Noir Shafer Vineyard is profound ... It hits another gear entirely." - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com
A historic but hidden-gem site in the Tualatin Hills AVA, the Shafer vineyard's own-rooted vines were planted in 1973, making it a truly singular site in the valley This is a wild place in more ways than one, as far off the beaten path as it is, and the wine it produces is pure Oregon in soul. Only 44 cases were produced, and with a monster 98-point score, it's a can't-miss stunner that any serious Pinot collector should have in the cellar.
Some of our all-time favorite boutique Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs have been Kelley Fox's incomparable expressions of the historic Maresh Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. One of the original Pinot Noir plantings in the valley, this exceptional vineyard has given us one absolute stunner after another from Kelley over the years. So we're sad to announce that the 98-point 2023 Liminal Pinot Noir will be the last wine that Kelley produces from Maresh. But it's going out with quite a swan song, having just nabbed Top 10 honors in Vinous' Top 100 Wines of 2025.
"The 2023 is pure magic." - Eric Guido, Vinous
Kelley's intimate familiarity with the Maresh Vineyard has led her to create different block expressions, but the Liminal has always been special, as it's from Jim Maresh's original, own-rooted vines planted 1970, now just three rows. Like all Kelley's wines, its hallmark is unerring precision, "a model of balance, seamless and silken in form with an energetic, lively core" as Vinous' Eric Guido describes the 2023. Kelley's signature elegance and tension are on full display along the with pure, concentrated Maresh terroir soul from these old vines. If you're a fan of the very best Willamette Valley Pinots, this one should be at the top of your list – not only is it just that good, but it's also your last chance to get your hands on it.
Top Quality Store
