Taste: The 2022 shows a translucent raspberry-red hue in the glass. Aromas start with blue taffy, purple grape, and a subtle edge of green tobacco. The palate is clean and direct with raspberry, white strawberry, cherry, and a crisp note of watermelon rind. The impression is fresh, with red fruit stretching long across the palate. Light tannins and vibrant acidity make it carry the cut of a white wine while retaining Pinot’s fruit core, leaving a lifted, refreshing finish.
This comes from the words of Jim Prosser when we hosted him in the shop and tasted with him, so think of a combination of bursting, bright, fresh red fruits with a green, saline edge. While the “blue” that Jim mentions is present in the fruit profile, it leans more toward red fruit with a blue fruit edge.
Pairing: Think of it as a Pinot Noir that behaves like a white — best served with a chill, and flexible across cuisines. Lean toward dishes you might usually pair with rosé or lighter whites, highlight freshness and acidity, and don’t be afraid of spice or char.
About: J.K. Carriere is based in Newberg, within Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where founder and winemaker Jim Prosser has shaped the estate into one of the valley’s distinctive small producers. The winery was established in 1999, named after Jim’s grandfathers J.K. Prosser and Paul Carriere, as a nod to the family’s influence on his path.
