Ken Wright Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton Guadalupe Vineyard 2008

93 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "[$55 list] Bright medium red. Sexy aromas of raspberry, potpourri, Asian spices and anise. Silky, pure and elegant, with a pliant texture to its complex red berry, floral and spicecake flavors. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and lingering sweetness. Showing really well today. Wright owns this vineyard, which was planted in 2000 to the Pommard clone and Dijon clones 777 and 115. He says that it's usually the most floral of his wines because of the sedimentary soils. (Jul/Aug 2010)"

93 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Pinot Noir Guadalupe is from a site just across the Yamhill-Carlton demarcation line planted in 1989. It gives up a fragrant perfume leading to a velvety-textured, sweetly-fruited, elegant wine with ample underlying structure and firm acidity. Give this lengthy, finesse-styled effort 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it from 2012 to 2023. (Oct 2010)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "[$55 list] Firm in texture, with a strong pepper note that hovers over the delicate raspberry and cinnamon flavors, lingering on the focused, light-weight finish. Best from 2012 through 2018. 1,107 cases made. (2/28/11)"

Producer notes: "The vineyard was planted in 1989 and represents the definable change of the Jory soils of the Dundee Hills to the sedimentary soil of the Yamhill-Carlton District. It is spaced 7’ by 5’ and is planted to the Wadenswil clone. The soil, known as Willakenzie, is a well-drained shallow soil over siltstone. It lies at an elevation of 350'. The vineyard consistently produces small berries and clusters that are intensely colored. The wine possesses the character of black fruits, cocoa, leather and earth. Approximately 400 cases are produced. Jim Stonebridge and Kathleen Boeve own the vineyard. It is managed by Joel Myers."