JK Carriere Provocateur Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2019
The name J.K. Carriere is a contraction of Jim Prosser’s two grandfathers’ names. The wasp that features prominently on the label has, due to severe allergy, twice nearly killed him. In 1999, on the heels of cellar work for eight classic Pinot Noir producers (OR, NZ, AUS, FR) and still working for two, Jim boot-strapped his operation and started making wine as J.K. Carriere Wines in Newberg, Oregon.
For its first ten years the winery operated from a true 100-year-old barn, which allowed both the business and reputation to flourish. In November 2007, Jim purchased 40 acres of grape-growing land on the southeast flank of Parrett Mountain, in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. In 2009 the first vineyard blocks were planted, a new winery building was completed, and J.K. Carriere settled into its new home in the hills.
Pure garnet is its core color. The nose smells of cherry buckle, vanilla and tan spice. Bombastic ripe cherry reverberates on the palate and drags grilled meat, tobacco and a hint of wintergreen into its high-tone vortex. Prominent acid meets concentration meets a super-finely-sanded mouthfeel to deliver what can best be described as … uber pleasant.
Small-lot wild yeast fermentations in open-top stainless steel tanks. Limited pre-ferment maceration, minimal, but targeted temperature and punch-down intervention. 100% barrel aged for 17 months in French oak: 15% new, 14% one year, 22% two year, 49% older. Racked and bottled, unfiltered in February of 2021. Drink now to seven years and think about getting it some air in the first three.
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Appellation | Willamette Valley |
| PH | 3.68 |
| Alcohol | 12.75% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| State of Origin | Oregon |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
St. Dolores Estate Vineyard (11 years), Gemini Vineyard (28 years), Louis Vineyard (15 years) and Temperance Hill Vineyard (40 years) — all are non-irrigated (dry-farmed) and organically farmed.
