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Kelley Fox Wines 2016 Ahurani Pinot Noir
Let the grapes do their thing
Kelley Fox has been trying to understand plants her whole life. In college, she studied psychology and biology in order to try and understand how plants could affect healing. She was on her way to a Ph.D. program in biochemistry when she broke her arm. A chance meeting with another broken-arm patient – who was in the midst of planting a vineyard – turned her attention to wine.
Kelley literally worked her way from the ground up. Starting out planting vines, she soon moved into the cellar for hands-on experience. Working with some of Oregon’s renowned winemakers for two decades, she learned from the best. In 2007, she launched Kelley Fox Wines with a deep commitment to understanding that the best wine comes from grapevines that are treated well.
She personally cares for her vines and her grapes, with a strong focus on biodynamic and organic approaches. For Kelley, wine is made in the vineyard, not the cellar or the lab. She describes herself as a “logistics manager for her wines”, allowing the grapes and yeast to take a natural course.
She never did finish that biochemistry degree – and we’re better off for it!
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Kelley Fox Wines, Gaston, Oregon
2016 Ahurani Pinot Noir
Kelley has earned a reputation for graceful, elegant Pinot Noirs that rival the best in the world. She has earned a cult following all over the world – most of her wine is sold in Europe. We are thrilled to be bringing a Kelley Fox Pinot Noir to Cellar 503.
This 2016 Pinot Noir comes from one of the Willamette Valley’s most celebrated vineyards – Momtazi – and is 100% whole cluster. Ahurani is the name of an ancient Persian water goddess of “water and well-being” – an homage not just to the many natural springs on the Momtazi property but also to the heritage of its owner, Iranian-born Moe Momtazi and his family.
Kelley describes this wine as a “friendly dragon” with “power” and “gentleness”. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir, you’ll notice cool blue fruit undertones with hints of spicy red fruits, as well as an excellent balance of wild berries, delicious acidity, and savory, earthy flavors. Yummy now, it’s also one worth tucking away if you can stand to be patient.
A Cellar 503 selection in January 2019, Oregon Classics McMinnville | Pinot Noir
