The 2006 Pinot Noir Elton is sourced from a vineyard planted in 1983 with own-rooted Pommard clone. Light to medium ruby-colored, the aromatics exhibit earth notes, spice box, and cherry. On the palate, layers of ripe fruit are buttressed by lively acidity. This elegant effort is balanced and lengthy. It will provide pleasure over the next 4-6 years. Ken Wright Cellars remains a benchmark for Oregon Pinot Noir. Wright’s portfolio of 2006s is outstanding across the board. As has become customary, Ken Wright has pulled off a tour de force in farming and winemaking.Tel. (503) 853-7070; www.kenwrightcellars.com

The 2005 Pinot Noir “Elton Vineyard” has a fragrant perfume of toast, smoke, red cherry, and raspberry. The fruit is sweet and the wine is balanced in a racy style common to the vintage. With all components in harmony, the wine should evolve for 3-4 years and drink well through 2025. Ken Wright has a Syrah/Claret project under the Tyrus Evans label. The fruit is sourced from southern Oregon and eastern Washington. I tasted four wines, all of them outstanding. I list them without tasting notes: 2004 Claret “Del Rio Vineyard – 90; 2004 Claret “Ciel du Cheval Vineyard” – 91; 2005 Syrah, Walla Walla – 92; 2005 Syrah “Del Rio Vineyard” – 90+.Ken Wright Cellars has long been one of the reference points for Pinot Noir fanatics. Ken Wright is the ultimate terroirist, stating on his web site (which I highly recommend reading) that the value of Pinot Noir is that it is the perfect vehicle for expressing the characteristics of the site in which it is grown. He says that the secret to making great Pinot Noir is “?learning how to farm. Every vineyard has its own issues.”Tel. (800) 571-6825; www.kenwrightcellars.com. Also tasted: 2005 Pinot Blanc (91), 2005 Chardonnay “Celilo Vineyard” (93)