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B-21 Top Recommendation
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It's hard to think of a more recognizable name in Willamette Valley than Ken Wright. After Willamette's pioneering legends such as David Lett, Jim Maresh Sr., David Adelsheim, and Fred Arterberry, Wright was at the forefront of the valley's second wave of pioneers, who took it from upstart wine region to world-class commercial success, thus shaping the region's trajectory for the past 30+ years. His portfolio still provides one of the most comprehensive and accurate pictures of any given Willamette vintage, and with the 2024 campaign already drawing comparisons to the all-time great 1999 vintage, it's safe to say that Ken Wright is a must-have name on Oregon Pinot lover's short list.
The 2024 growing season, and harvest in particular, were near perfect, and Wright's resulting wines show a stunning level of site transparency, precision, and singular character, each one garnering effusive praise from the most prominent critical voices. Wright's estate vineyard holdings are arguably the best in the valley, with prominent sites in nearly every acclaimed sub-AVA. Highlights from 2024 include the 97-point, "stunning and delicious" Savoya Vineyard Pinot Noir, a prime cellar candidate with 20 years of potential, as well as the 95-point Canary Hill and Carter Vineyard Pinot Noirs, textbook expressions from two of the valley's most revered sites. These are a just a few of the can't-miss gems in the stellar range presented below, which is quite simply one of the finest troves of collectible scores we've seen yet from the 2024 Willamette vintage. |
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The 2024 Pinot Noir Latchkey Vineyard is a bright ruby color and comes from Dundee Hills, the estate’s only bottling from the appellation. Aromas of wild raspberry, pomegranate, sour cherry, orange peel, and bright floral tones emerge from the glass. Medium-bodied, it has a soft, stony texture, terrific refinement, juicy fruit, and an appealing finish. Sourced from 16-year-old vines and shared with Ken’s son Cody, it highlights the volcanic soils before transitioning to marine sediments. A total charmer that will drink beautifully now or over the coming 12-15 years.
95 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2026)
Sleek and savory, with engaging flavors of cherry and strawberry that are accented by orange peel, rose petal and forest floor tones on the finish. Offers fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2035. 353 cases made.
93 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator (Jul 2026)
As a latchkey kid my own self, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for this vineyard. This 2024 vintage really delivers, beginning with rich blackcap raspberry, cinnamon and caramel aromas. The wine's lemony acidity and velvety tannins are in perfect harmony with its fruit and 12.7% ABV. The main flavors are a mix of cherries, earth and thyme, but there's a savory note in the background that comes close to smoked sturgeon. I loved it.
93 points, Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast (Oct 2026)
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