Oregon wine: 2017 Kramer Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot noir

2017 Kramer Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot noir

Yamhill-Carlton,
Willamette Valley,
Oregon

13.0% alcohol

Empty bottle weight: 19.7 ounces // 559 grams

Cork closure

200 cases produced

Keith and Trudy Kramer started making wine back in 1971, a hobby that led them to purchase 22 acres and plant a vineyard in the early 1980s. Over the years, they have planted a number of unique varietals; including Müller-Thurgau, Carmine, Pinot meunier, and Grüner Veltliner, along with Riesling, Pinot noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot gris. Their children grew up on the vineyard and oldest daughter Kim and youngest daughter Becky now run much of the business, under the tutelage of their experienced mother.

Experimentation runs in the Kramer family’s blood as seen in the unusual grapes they have planted, along with their vineyard practices and winemaking techniques. General manager Becky finds innovative ways to set the winery apart from others in the Willamette Valley. Winemaker Kim regularly runs trials on her wine batches, methodically noting the differences so she can replicate those she likes best.

In the case of this Pinot, Kim destemmed ⅓ of the grapes, leaving the rest as whole-cluster. After fermentation began 5 days post-harvest, she utilized twice-daily punch-downs and pump-overs until pressing the fruit. The wine then aged in barrels for 10 months prior to bottling. This resulted in a Pinot noir with classic Willamette Valley characteristics, bright acidity, and exceptional food-friendliness. If you’re not yet familiar with Kramer Vineyards, please order some wine from them!