From: Willamette Valley, OR
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: The 2022 J.K. Carriere Clarion Pinot Noir offers an exquisite sensory experience from the moment it is poured. The wine's alluring violet-red hue immediately catches the eye, with its translucent, light-transmitting color hinting at the unique character of this innovative blend. On the nose, the Clarion displays an enchanting aroma of ripe blueberries, reminiscent of a blue-infused dreamscape, underpinned by subtle notes of gooseberries and raspberries.
On the palate, the Clarion reveals a clean, vibrant mouthfeel with a well-balanced acidity that adds a refreshing dimension to the wine. Tart raspberries and ripe boysenberries intermingle effortlessly, delivering a burst of juicy fruit flavors. A hint of toasted oats lends a touch of complexity to the wine, evoking the comforting warmth of a Scottish cranachan dessert. The wine's finish is long, smooth, and satisfying, leaving a lingering taste of ripe fruit and a gentle hint of earthiness. With a bone-dry profile at 13.5% alcohol by volume, the 2022 J.K. Carriere Clarion Pinot Noir is a delightful, quaffable wine that showcases the ingenuity and adaptability of the Willamette Valley winemakers.
Pairing: The 2022 J.K. Carriere Clarion Pinot Noir's vibrant fruit flavors and well-balanced acidity make it a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Its light to medium body, coupled with the refreshing fruit profile, allows it to complement both delicate and robust flavors with ease.
For a delightful appetizer pairing, consider serving the Clarion with a goat cheese and beetroot salad, where the wine's acidity will cut through the richness of the cheese while accentuating the earthy sweetness of the beets. Alternatively, a plate of smoked salmon (check out the recipe below) or ahi tuna carpaccio will harmonize beautifully with the wine's fruity notes, creating a symphony of flavors on the palate.
When it comes to main courses, the Clarion Pinot Noir truly shines alongside dishes that feature earthy and savory components. Roast duck or pork tenderloin with a cherry or plum sauce will highlight the wine's berry nuances, while mushroom-based dishes, such as a wild mushroom risotto or a hearty mushroom stroganoff, will enhance the subtle earthy undertones in the wine.
For a delightful vegetarian option, consider pairing the Clarion with a roasted vegetable tart, where the caramelized flavors of the vegetables will complement the wine's fruitiness and the pastry's buttery richness will be balanced by the wine's acidity.
Finally, for a cheese course, opt for a selection of mild to medium-strength cheeses, such as Camembert, Brie, or Gruyère, which will not overpower the delicate nature of the wine but instead create a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures.
Swiss Rosti With Smoked Salmon and Poached Egg
By David Tanis
About. In the wake of the wildfire-impacted 2020 vintage, J.K. Carriere Winery has once again released its innovative and imaginative Clarion Pinot Noir. Born from the creative minds of winemaker Jim Prosser and his assistant Lucas Ehrhard, the Clarion defies the traditional norms of winemaking and showcases the resilience and adaptability of the Willamette Valley wine industry.
As the 2021 release of Clarion garnered significant success, Champion Wine Cellars is excited to have the 2022 J.K. Carriere Clarion Willamette Valley Pinot Noir in stock. The continuation of this unique wine is a testament to the positive feedback from Prosser's East Coast supplier and the winemaker's forward-thinking approach.
The Clarion emerged as a response to the challenges posed by the wildfires in 2020, when smoke issues threatened the integrity of the grapes in Prosser's vineyards. Rather than surrendering to the circumstances or compromising the quality of the wine, Prosser and Ehrhard chose to blend the 2020 harvest with the 2018 and 2019 vintages, creating a one-of-a-kind Pinot Noir that embraces the spirit of pure imagination.
The 2022 Clarion Pinot Noir hails from Willamette Valley, Oregon, and is made with fruit from Prosser's St. Dolores estate vineyard, as well as the Temperance Hill and Gemini vineyards. In non-wildfire years, these grapes are typically used to create single-vineyard wines priced at $65. However, the Clarion transcends the notions of ageability and terroir, offering a refreshing, archetypal wine that captures the essence of an ideal summertime red.
Bottled in a screwcap-topped clear glass bottle, the Clarion Pinot Noir showcases its vibrant violet-red hue. The wine's aroma is dominated by blueberries, evoking a “Wonka-esque dreamscape”, while its palate offers a clean, invigorating mouthfeel with flavors of tart raspberries, ripe boysenberries, and a hint of toasted oats. Bone dry at 13.5% alcohol by volume, the Clarion delivers a perfect combination of "scrumptious" and “diddly."
The 2022 J.K. Carriere Clarion Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a celebration of innovation and the power of human ingenuity in the face of adversity. With its bold flavor profile and captivating story, this wine is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Willamette Valley winemakers. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable Pinot Noir at Champion Wine Cellars.
