Since 1999, Jim Prosser of J.K. Carriere has quietly and meticulously been making critically acclaimed Oregon Pinot Noirs from some of the best vineyards in the state.
Vintage 2021 is a really good one for Oregon Pinot Noir, and Prosser's 2021 Vespidae Pinot Noir contains grapes from two of the finest Pinot Noir sites in the state: Temperance Hill and Shea Vineyards. I suspect it will garner another 93-94 point rating from Vinous Media, just like every vintage of this wine has ranked back to 2013...
2021 J.K. Carriere Vespidae Pinot Noir
Prototype, rich, complex Willamette Pinot Noir!
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Jim Prosser developed his winemaking philosophy at some enviable estates in both the northern and southern hemispheres. He trained at Erath, Drouhin, and Chehalem in Oregon. He also spent time at Georges Roumier in Burgundy and Villa Maria in New Zealand. Let's just say he knows the ins and outs of Pinot Noir grown in and on a variety of terroirs.
At J.K. Carriere, Prosser works with some of the top growers in the Willamette Valley, and he has high standards. He looks for vineyards with unique soils and exposures, he only works with conscientious growers practicing healthy farming (organic and biodynamic), he seeks out old vines, and he likes a nice mix of clonal selections. That's a lot to digest, I know, but trust me, great wine is all about the fine details.
Jim's hands-off approach to winemaking has led to much critical acclaim. Native yeasts, judicious oak, and a motivation to enhance natural acidity to make his wines pleasurable with or without food are all at play here. His 2021 Vespidae Pinot Noir is a prime example of place, person, and method, and it's an absolute masterpiece of an Oregon Pinot Noir.
For those who have enjoyed the Pinot Noirs of Belle Pente and St. Innocent, I highly encourage you to try this. Dark crimson in color, it opens with aromas of red and blue fruits, violet, Asian spices, cola, and dried herb. Juicy and enveloping on the palate, it offers up that perfect yin and yang mix of ripe fruit and energetic acids. It is drinking like a dream now, but it will continue to drink well and improve through 2030.
The 2021 Oregon Pinot Noirs are dreamy, and if you have liked the wines from the recent string of warmer vintages (2012-2019), you'll love this. Just 800 cases produced, and just 72 bottles up for grabs.
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Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville