Kelley Fox: Wines of Ethereal Aromatic Splendor

2/18/19 -

In introductory wine classes it is common to hear the assertion that Oregon Pinot Noir is darker, denser, and earthier than Pinot Noir from California. The wines of Kelley Fox go against this grain by being extraordinarily light, ethereal, with a limpid, crystalline structure and incredible, pinpoint precision. Kelley is one of the most conscientious practitioners of her craft anywhere in the world.  Today we have a few different Pinots, all sourced from single sites, and all paragons of in-depth winemaking acumen.

These wines are all handmade, and production is very small. Kelley works almost entirely by herself, bringing others in only at times like bottling or pruning, and each of her wines has been lovingly crafted. The wines we offer today are all sourced from one of three different extraordinary vineyard sites. Our first wine, the 2017 Freedom Hill Pinot Blanc, comes from the single-family-owned Freedom Hill Vineyard, planted in 1982 in the Eola Hills (though just outside the lines of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA). The vineyard has Bellpine soils, a marine sediment that is free-draining. This is a bright and fresh Pinot Blanc that has a ton of fresh energy and fine aromatic power.

Next we have the 2017 Ahurani McMinnville Pinot Noir. This Pinot is sourced from the Momtazi vineyard, a Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyard that is acknowledged as one of the finest sites in Oregon. Situated right at the mouth of the Van Duzer corridor, a break in Oregon's coastal range that lets cold air into the valley from the Pacific. This is a beautiful, aromatic, structured wine with great linear precision and a nice wild, woodland character. We also have the 2017 Mirabai Pinot Noir, sourced from the Maresh Vineyard, planted by Jim and Loie Maresh in 1970, which is one of the most famous sites in the Willamette Valley. Located in the Dundee Hills AVA, the Maresh vineyard is made up of pure Jory soils, a volcanic, free-draining, exceptionally deep iron-rich soil series that is excellent for viticulture. The Maresh family farm in which the vineyard sits includes cherry trees, walnut trees, and hazelnut trees. Lastly, we have the 2015 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, sourced from the aforementioned Momtazi Vineyard. This is darker in character, lush, but with the aromatic power and complexity I think of as being a hallmark of Kelley's style.

We are very excited to announce that Kelley will be in the store tasting all these wines tomorrow aka February 20th, at 5PM. Come on by to experience one of America's most dynamic and visionary producers!     -  Andrew Farquhar