Ken Wright Pinots

[andytee]

I'm looking to buy a nice bottle as a gift for my brother and his wife, who are about to celebrate their first anniversary. We both enjoy a lot of Oregon Pinots, and the store I looked at has three Ken Wright bottles on sale, so it seemed a good fit.

Wondering if anyone has tasted all three of these, or even just one or two, and can comment on them:
Ken Wright Abbot Claim Pinot - 2007
Ken Wright Carter Pinot - 2007
Ken Wright McKrone Pinot - 2007

All three are on sale for $49.99, so taste is the only comparison point here.

Slightly more expensive ($70) but there is also a 2004 bottle of Torri Mor's Hawks View Pinot I'm considering.

I'd love if anyone has comments on any of these wines, and I'm open to other suggestions too.

[kaysyrahsyrah]

Since I last wrote to this post I have tried another dozen 2007 Oregon pinots. In general, it was not a great vintage in my opinion.

Practically every premium Oregon pinot is on sale right now, due to the economy and the fact that 2008 is categorically a better vintage (though I have yet to find the wine I will buy by the case).

That sets up a nice buying opportunity for premium Oregon pinots. But before you go sinking your cash into KW 07, I would call Michael Jordan at K&L Wines.

I'm not crazy about KW pinots at $50...at 30? OK.

[bobert1006]

The Torii Mor Hawks View is a great Pinot. We opened a bottle a month ago and it was worth the price.

[njfoodies]

Haven't popped any '07's from Oregon yet, but have found the '06's surprisingly approachable now. Had some '01 Ken Wright's at an offline recently that were in a very nice place! Buy some '07's and lay them down for 5 plus years....I think you'll be pleased with the result... -mJ

[whiner]

I've had none of the '07s, but I'm moe a fan of Ken Wright than I am even of Torri Mor's most expensive bottlings.

[ibstatguy]

whiner: have you tried any wines from Brickhouse or Thomas?

[whiner]

Brickhouse - yes; Thomas - no.

I liked the Brickhouses I've tried, but I have no strong recollections. Never thought "This is GREAT". Unlike KW, Le Cadeau, Domaine Serene, Soter, Beaux Freres, etc all of which have produced some pretty great wines, imo.

[SteveG]

I agree on KW. I wish I noted the vineyard at the time, but one of my top 3 Pinot experiences was an aged bottle of KW up in Oregon. My personal opinion is that the $40 bucks for futures is a steal; in a good year, the wines go toe to toe with $100 bottles without breaking a sweat, in less good years I still think they're fairly priced. The only problem is you have to think well in advance...

[kaysyrahsyrah]

Andytee - I tried all of Writght's 2005s and 2006s. I firmly believe they are overpriced. I like the Domaine Serene Evenstad 2005 much better ($55).

The reason why I think you should buy a Ken Wright wine is for the name...he is one of the first celebrity pinot producers in Oregon...and let's be honest, the name is usually an important part of a gift.

If you don't mind a lesser name and want the best value, head over to K&L wines or call Michael Jordan at [phone] ext. 1024. He is an Oregon pinot expert.

[ibstatguy]

I've had good luck with Sandy at Mt Tabor Wine in Portland

[ibstatguy]

check out the tasting notes on CellarTracker

[andytee]

Did that, wanted a second opinion.

Ended up finding something completely different that I think will be a good gift - an 05 Mas De Daumas Gassac, the "Grand Cru of Languedoc". Haven't tried it but it came well recommended from someone I trust and the notes read well.

[carswell]

Assuming you're talking about the red, it's an elegant and appealingly restrained wine that repays aging. The white is also exquisite.

[ibstatguy]

the Gassac is an excellent wine