2017 Kelley Fox Ahurani Pinot Noir 'Momtazi'

Region: McMinnville < Willamette Valley < Oregon
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Demeter-certified biodynamic farming; 100% whole cluster, aged in old Burgundy barrels; bottled unfined/unfiltered with zero-added So2; 13% ABV; 590 cases.
Winemaker: Kelley Fox

After completing a B.S. in Psychology, with a minor in Biology and degrees in Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kelley was admitted to the PhD program in Biochemistry from the Oregon State University–yet never completed her doctorate. Instead, she made the decision to become an Oregon winemaker, which she accomplished entirely through the experience of working in the vineyards and cellars of the region, including time spent alongside David Lett of The Eyrie Vineyards, which deeply influenced her. Starting in 2005, she began work as the winemaker at Scott Paul while also pursuing her own dream of create Kelley Fox wines, which saw its first release with the 2007 vintage. Fast forward to today, where Kelley Fox Wines is definitely one of the under-the-radar Oregon producers worth watching, making wines that transcend the region and the stereotypes of domestic Pinot Noir. The Ahurani is made up of a selection of parcels at the top of the tallest hill in the Demeter-certified biodynamic Momtazi vineyard. Kelley describes the wine so poetically: “transparent crimson red with cool tones, the Ahurani has is a joyful wine, smelling of spicy red and blue fruits with a touch of minerals and a soothing freshness. In the mouth, there is a gentleness -- no claws or talons or gimlet eyes. This one is a friendly dragon. It has the power and delicious acidity typical of this wild vineyard.