Explore Oregon Wines: Wineries | Varietals | AVAs | Cellar 503 Selections
J.K. Carriere Wines 2021 "Provocateur" Pinot Noir
Organic
The Wasp: It’s real. Basically, and specifically, the members of the wasp family Vespidae continue to try and kill me. Severe allergic reaction is the problem, anaphylaxis is the reaction, and to date I’ve accumulated about 24 hours of ICU time around the globe. I don’t begrudge the paper wasp, yellow jacket and bald-face hornet, as they have their job, and I have mine, which occasionally turn conflictual. Though philosophically, if it’s real enough to kill you, it’s real enough to earn a place on your label.
The Name: Provocateurs, yes troublemakers, may disguise themselves as flutists, possibly even piccoloists, but beware their uppercut-left hook.
A Story: The 2021 vintage presented a reasonably warm growing season with moments of intense heat and yet wines of surprising grace. This wine is a collection of the more obvious barrels of the cellar ready for their debut from the get-go.
Vineyards: From our St. Dolores Estate (13 years), Gemini Vineyard (30 years), Johan Vineyard (19 years), and Temperance Hill (42 years). All our vineyards are dry-farmed.
— Jim Prosser, owner/winemaker
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
J.K. Carriere Wines, Newberg, Oregon
2021 "Provocateur" Pinot Noir
The Cliff Notes: The color is red ruby. The nose presents cherry-raspberry-guava with a hint of warm tan oak spice. The palate portrays movement, starting as fully ripe, seductive cherry-peach and moving to darker savory grilled meats, soy and graham. It’s substantial with a medium-plus attack, good acid linearity, a sweet fruit core and finishing on particularly refined polished tannins. A village level wine playing well above its fighting weight.
Fermentation: Small-lot wild yeast fermentations in open-top wood and stainless steel tanks. Limited pre-ferment maceration, followed by minimal, but targeted temperature and punch-down intervention.
Elevage: 100% barrel aged for one year in in 6% new French oak. Racked and bottled unfined and unfiltered in September of 2022.
Ageability: Drink now to seven years and think about getting it some air in the first three.
A Cellar 503 selection in December 2023, Organic and Biodynamic Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir
