History
Ken Wright Cellars, founded in 1994 in Carlton, Oregon, is a pinnacle of Willamette Valley winemaking. Ken Wright, after studying at UC Davis and working at California wineries like Ventana and Talbott, moved to Oregon in 1986 to establish Panther Creek Cellars. He launched his namesake winery in 1994, focusing on single-vineyard Pinot Noir. In 2003, Ken and his wife, Karen, restored Carlton's 1923 train depot, creating a tasting room that reflects the town's agricultural heritage. Wright's contributions include co-founding ¡Salud!, supporting vineyard workers’ healthcare, and authoring the Yamhill-Carlton AVA petition, approved in 2004.
Viticulture Philosophy
Ken Wright Cellars manages 36 acres, including Canary Hill and Savoya Vineyards, and sources from 13 premier Willamette Valley sites, such as Shea and Freedom Hill. Emphasizing Pinot Noir's terroir transparency, the winery uses certified organic practices and advanced nutrition-based farming. Low crop levels, hand-sorting, and soil/vine analysis ensure fruit quality. The region's marine sedimentary and volcanic soils, shaped by geological events, yield floral, spice-driven (sedimentary) and fruit-forward (volcanic) wines.
Winemaking Techniques
Ken Wright crafts 13,000 cases annually, primarily vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs, with minimal handling to preserve terroir. Grapes are fermented with native yeasts, cooled with dry ice, and aged in French oak (reduced new oak for elegance). Wright avoids stems and uses Nomacorc closures since 2002 to prevent cork taint. The winery's Tyrus Evans label features Syrah and other varietals from warmer climates. Wines are polished for early drinking yet ageable for a decade.
Critics and Journalist Praises
Ken Wright's wines consistently earn high acclaim. The 2012 Abbott Claim Pinot Noir was ranked the world's No. 1 wine by Wine Enthusiast. The 2023 Willamette Valley Chardonnay scored 92 points from Owen Bargreen for its “nectarine, orange peel, and brioche” notes, while the 2022 Carter Vineyard Pinot Noir earned 95 points for its “deep, concentrated” profile. Wine Spectator awarded the 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 92 points, noting its “vibrant cherry and rose petal” flavors, drinkable through 2033. Wright's wines have over 100 90+ scores from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.
