The 2008 Pinot Noir Canary Hill Vineyard (owned by Ken Wright) is a bit darker in color. It reveals an enticing perfume of balsam wood, smoke, Asian spices, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. This is followed by a medium-bodied, sweetly-fruited, intense wine with plenty of structure, vibrant acidity, and several years of aging potential. This mouth-filling Pinot will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2023. Ken Wright’s Pinot Noirs in 2008 are exceptional but only slightly better than his 2007s from a much more difficult vintage. Perhaps it is in the more challenging vintages that the cream really rises to the top, whereas the challenge in 2008 was to NOT make a really good wine. Tel. (503) 852-7070; www.kenwrightcellars.com

The top wine from Ken Wright in 2008, this beautifully elegant wine clocks in at just 13.3% alcohol, yet delivers a mouthful of delicious flavors. A lovely mix of cranberry, pomegranate and wild raspberry is annotated with dusty herb. Excellent midpalate concentration and length.——P.G.(6/1/2010)—— 94