Episode 167: Two 2011 Pinot Noirs from Ken Wright
February 4, 2013
We always like to check in on the new releases from Ken Wright. He’s been making Oregon Pinot Noir for many years, and with his range of single vineyard bottles, it’s always a great way to check in on the latest vintage. This year, we ended up with 4 bottles, and decided to break the tasting into two shows. This week, we taste the Shea Vineyard and the Canary Hill Vineyard.
Do you like to drink acidic wines young, or age them?
February 4, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Hi guys,
thanks for today’s show! I especially enjoy your Oregon Pinot shows a lot! In the past year I really think I fell in love with your Pinots from Oregon. Unfortunately they are pretty tough to get over here in Europe …
Referring to your question: For me it depends on the style of the wine and the actual grape variety (and maybe the vintage). For instance, I really can enjoy young and acidic Rieslings (apart of GG wines). For Rieslings acid is absolutely vital. Without lively acid …I don’t know. Nothing for me, I guess
. In case of Bordeaux style wines the young acid is far too beastly for me. The same for wines from Piedmont (especially Barbera, Ugh!) or Tuscany (classic ones). In case of Pinot it varies. Most wines from Burgundy like for example the recent 2010ers are far to acidic for me right now. 2009ers were far more accessible at a young age. In case of young Oregon Pinots I think I haven’t had so many acid problems. They mostly seem very well balanced. Unfortunately only limited experience … I am sure this will change in the years ahead!
Chris
February 12, 2013 at 7:53 am
Thanks for the great comment Chris! I’m glad you’re enjoying our shows from Germany. Your thoughts make a lot of sense too, with the style of wine greatly determining the effect of high acidity. Prost!