Dec 30, 2022
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Kelley Fox Wines
| Owner(s) | Kelley Fox, Gerson Stearns |
| Web site | www.kelleyfoxwines.com |
| Link to this site |
Most winemakers dream of having their own eponymous label at some time in their career. Kelley Fox has been crafting wines in Oregon for over ten years including terms at Hamacher, The Eyrie Vineyards and Torii Mor, as well as New Zealand. Since 2005, she has been co-winemaker with Scott Wright at Scott Paul Wines, where she emulates the style of elegant Pinot Noir that her mentor at The Eyrie Vineyards, David Lett, taught her. As she notes on her website, “What I love most about Pinot is its transparency. I prefer authenticity and even grit to armchair idealism. Pinot does this. There is something so real about it, for the better or the worse.”
Fox graduated Magna Cum Laude with degrees in biochemistry and biophysics from Oregon State University. While pursuing a PhD in biochemistry, she turned to winemaking.
With the 2007 vintage, along with her father, Gerson Stearns, she launched Kelley Fox Wines. Two vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from Momtazi Vineyard and Maresh Vineyard have already created a buzz among Pinot aficionados. A third Pinot Noir is called Mirabal.
The tiny production (100 to 600 cases annually) is made in Carlton and is available for tasting at the Emporium in downtown Carlton. Wednesday-Sunday. The wines are also sold through the winery's online store.
Articles About Kelley Fox Wines
Drinking Small Part 2 (8.27 12/14/2010)
Large Review of 2009 & 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs With a Few from 2008 & 2011 (9.7 5/9/2012)
List of Willamette Valley Old Vine Pinot Noir Reviewed Wines (12.29 6/5/2022)
More Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (11.34 11/17/2018)
Recent Pinot Noir Wines I Have Enjoyed (12.6 5/25/2020)
Small Sips of Oregon Pinot (8.6 11/29/2009)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 213 cases, $69. Sourced
from 48-year-old vines in Maresh vineyard including Kelley’s half of the Old Block 1 she has worked with since
2008. 30% whole cluster.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, baking spices, and
sandalwood lead to a medium-bodied style featuring red and black cherry, spice and a pretty floral flush. The
flavor reminds me of Martha Maresh’s Queen Anne cherry pie I indulged in several years ago. No noticeable
tannins, enjoyable acid-driven perkiness, and a long, quenching finish. Very “pretty” and harmonious.
Score: 94.
Reviewed May 26, 2022
ARTICLE »
2018 Kelley Fox Wines Red Barn Blocks Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $100. This one year
bottling includes grapes were sourced from Block 2 behind the
Maresh Red Barn and Block 1 in front of the Red Barn. This
bottling refers to her section of rows in Block 1 planted in 1970
and Block 2 planted in 1974. Own-rooted Pommard and
Wädenswil clones. Last vintage of this wine.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of red cherry, red
berry, baking spice and rose petal. A nose to die for. Elegantly
composed with an array of red fruits discretely concentrated.
Silken in texture with gossamer tannins and a lip-smacking,
unbelievably long finish. This wine is the epitome of Pinot Noir
grace.
Score: 95.
Reviewed May 26, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Block Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 46 cases, $60. Sourced from the Maresh Vineyard’s original blocks of Wadenswil and Pommard
surrounding the Maresh Red Barn. Jim Maresh, who founded Maresh Red Hills Vineyard (fifth oldest vineyard
in Oregon) still tractor farms the vines each year.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Expressive nose
offering aromas of red cherry, blueberry and rose petal. Elegant and refined in a comforting, classy mid weight
style with pleasing richness of dark red cherry flavor. Exquisitely balanced with a modest but thoroughly
agreeable finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2016 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Blocks Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 46
cases, $75. Grapes were sourced from the original 1970
plantings of Wädenswil and Pommard clones surrounding the
Maresh Red Barn. Maresh is the 5th oldest vineyard in Oregon
and is farmed by Jim and Loie Maresh. Kelley was formerly
the winemaker for Scott Paul for ten years . Her long-time
personal relationships in the Willamette Valley allow her to
source outstanding fruit from Maresh Vineyard, Hyland
Vineyard and Momtazi Vineyard. This wine saw no new oak
(as all Kelley Fox Pinot Noirs).
Note: Four 2018 Maresh Vineyard Pinot
Noirs are currently offered including three block-designates ($75-$100) at www.kelleyfoxwines.com.
·
Moderately light ruby red color
in the glass. A very elegant, feminine wine with gracious
aromas of red cherry, spice, sandalwood and thyme. Very silky
and sexy on the palate with fresh flavors of red cherry and red
currant. Impeccably balanced with a lasting finish. This wine is
at a nadir now.
Score: 95.
Reviewed May 25, 2020
ARTICLE »
2016 Kelley Fox Wines Momtazi Vineyard “TIR” Mc Minnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 86 cases, $75.
·
Moderately
dark garnet color in the glass. Inviting scents of black cherry, seasoned
beef and toasty oak. A bold and rich wine in a mid weight plus style with
flavors of sweet black cherry and blackberry fruits. Packed with fruit, yet
vibrant and refined with a plush mouthfeel, genteel tannins and a
generous dark fruit fueled finish. When you drink a wine, you want to
taste fruit and this wine delivers.
Score: 93.
Reviewed November 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Kelley Fox Wines Momtazi Vineyard “TIR” McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 75
cases, $60, screw cap. Sourced from unique small block vines surrounded by Oregon oak trees. “TR” is Farsi
for “star.” A Demeter Certified Biodynamic® wine.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas
of red cherry, cranberry, underbrush and oak spice and toast. The core of cherry and raspberry fruit has
personality and is accompanied by subtle purple berry and plum flavors. Discreet in weight, with husky ripe fruit
tannins, yet no astringency on the finish. A bit of complimentary oak plies the background.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Star of Bethlehem Flower Block Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 86 cases, $75, screw cap. Old, self-rooted vines. “Star of Bethlehem” flowers grow in
the vine rows of this block.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. A perfumed nose offers aromas of white flowers,
red berry, cherry, spice, sandalwood and red licorice. Light in weight in a very delicate style with flavors of red
cherry and red berry, a touch of spice and a hint of herbaceousness. The tannins are very fine grained and the
acidity provides good verve. This diaphanous wine may be too demurely extracted for those seeking richer fruit
flavor.
Score: 91.
Reviewed November 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Kelley Fox Wines Red Barn Blocks Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $99,
screw cap. Sourced from blocks of own-rooted Wädenswil and Pommard clones surrounding the Maresh Red
Barn.
·
Light garnet color in the glass. The incredibly seductive nose offers aromas of red cherry, strawberry,
spice, red rose petal and sandalwood. Gentle power in the mouth offering more presence than one would
expect from the wine’s light color. Elegantly styled with a train of juicy red cherry flavor and a subtle savory
herbal note. Suave in the mouth with a shadow of oak and a very long, lip-smacking finish. Tastes like an aged
La Tȃche.
Score: 95.
Reviewed May 26, 2022
ARTICLE »
2009 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $39, screw cap. Grapes are sourced from a block of the
Maresh Vineyard planted in 1970.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. The nose makes you want to dive into the glass, offering hi-tone scents
of fresh pie cherries, baking spice, graham and petrichor. Medium weight
flavors of dark red cherries and raspberries with an oak sheen and a refreshing
cut of citrus peel on the long finish. Soft, dreamy tannins and easy
approachability, but displaying the balance to age. A feminine wine with curves.
Very good.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., screwcap.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass with very slight rim bricking. A very silky and elegant wine that
offers appealing aromas and flavors of black cherry and black raspberry, underlain with a stem and root
vegetable thread. The thirst quenching finish leaves a lasting impression. Enjoyable now or can be aged short
term.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 21, 2015
ARTICLE »
2008 Kelley Fox Momtazi Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $39, screw cap. Sourced from an 11-year-old block of 113 and 115
clones. Aged in 30% new French oak.
·
Scents of green olive, mulberry and
pharmaceutical blow off over time to reveal subtle well-oaked fresh berry aromas
with a hint of pine pitch. The wine really pumps out a panoply of berry flavors
with a well-married oak component. Soft and demure, the wine is much better
integrated with more pure fruit aromas and flavors the next day from a previously
opened and re-corked bottle. Should blossom in a few years. Good.
Reviewed December 14, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Kelley Fox Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $49, screw cap. From over 38-year-old non-irrigated Wädenswil
vines. Aged in 30% new French oak.
·
Enticing and effusive aromas of spiced
cherries, woodshed and evergreen. Very charming cherry, red currant and red
plum fruit with hints of cola and brown spice. A loamy note adds character.
Silky smooth with soft tannins and impeccable balance. Still a debutante and
best to keep your hands off this one for a couple of years. Very Good.
Reviewed December 14, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Kelley Fox Wines Momtazi Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13% alc., 133 cases, $39, screw cap. Sourced from a 10-year-old
block of Dijon 113 and 115 clones. Biodynamically-farmed vineyard.
·
Light garnet
color in glass. Mineral-infused aromas of cherries with a whiff of iron, wet stone
and funk. Discreetly composed core of earth-dusted dark red fruits, especially
bright, juicy cherries. Moderate tannins with balancing acidity. Very good and
recommended.
Reviewed November 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13% alc., 69 cases, $49, screw cap. Sourced from
self-rooted Wädenswil vines that are over 30 years old. Aged in 30% new
French oak barrels.
·
Light garnet color in glass. Showy nose of
strawberries and cherries with a hint of brown spice. Delicately
composed, yet delivers plenty of pleasure. Delicate fruit core of
strawberries and red cherries accented by spice, clove and graham, gossamer
tannins, bright acidity, finishing with impressive aromatic persistence. A well perfumed
Dundee Hills debutante that grabs your attention.
Reviewed November 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2018 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 213 cases, $69. Sourced from 48-year-old vines in Maresh vineyard including Kelley’s half of the Old Block 1 she has worked with since 2008. 30% whole cluster. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, baking spices, and sandalwood lead to a medium-bodied style featuring red and black cherry, spice and a pretty floral flush. The flavor reminds me of Martha Maresh’s Queen Anne cherry pie I indulged in several years ago. No noticeable tannins, enjoyable acid-driven perkiness, and a long, quenching finish. Very “pretty” and harmonious. Score: 94. Reviewed May 26, 2022 ARTICLE »
2018 Kelley Fox Wines Red Barn Blocks Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $100. This one year bottling includes grapes were sourced from Block 2 behind the Maresh Red Barn and Block 1 in front of the Red Barn. This bottling refers to her section of rows in Block 1 planted in 1970 and Block 2 planted in 1974. Own-rooted Pommard and Wädenswil clones. Last vintage of this wine. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of red cherry, red berry, baking spice and rose petal. A nose to die for. Elegantly composed with an array of red fruits discretely concentrated. Silken in texture with gossamer tannins and a lip-smacking, unbelievably long finish. This wine is the epitome of Pinot Noir grace. Score: 95. Reviewed May 26, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Block Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 46 cases, $60. Sourced from the Maresh Vineyard’s original blocks of Wadenswil and Pommard surrounding the Maresh Red Barn. Jim Maresh, who founded Maresh Red Hills Vineyard (fifth oldest vineyard in Oregon) still tractor farms the vines each year. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Expressive nose offering aromas of red cherry, blueberry and rose petal. Elegant and refined in a comforting, classy mid weight style with pleasing richness of dark red cherry flavor. Exquisitely balanced with a modest but thoroughly agreeable finish. Score: 92. Reviewed November 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2016 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Red Barn Blocks Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 46 cases, $75. Grapes were sourced from the original 1970 plantings of Wädenswil and Pommard clones surrounding the Maresh Red Barn. Maresh is the 5th oldest vineyard in Oregon and is farmed by Jim and Loie Maresh. Kelley was formerly the winemaker for Scott Paul for ten years . Her long-time personal relationships in the Willamette Valley allow her to source outstanding fruit from Maresh Vineyard, Hyland Vineyard and Momtazi Vineyard. This wine saw no new oak (as all Kelley Fox Pinot Noirs).
Note: Four 2018 Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noirs are currently offered including three block-designates ($75-$100) at www.kelleyfoxwines.com.
· Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. A very elegant, feminine wine with gracious aromas of red cherry, spice, sandalwood and thyme. Very silky and sexy on the palate with fresh flavors of red cherry and red currant. Impeccably balanced with a lasting finish. This wine is at a nadir now. Score: 95. Reviewed May 25, 2020 ARTICLE »
2016 Kelley Fox Wines Momtazi Vineyard “TIR” Mc Minnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 86 cases, $75. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Inviting scents of black cherry, seasoned beef and toasty oak. A bold and rich wine in a mid weight plus style with flavors of sweet black cherry and blackberry fruits. Packed with fruit, yet vibrant and refined with a plush mouthfeel, genteel tannins and a generous dark fruit fueled finish. When you drink a wine, you want to taste fruit and this wine delivers. Score: 93. Reviewed November 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Kelley Fox Wines Momtazi Vineyard “TIR” McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 75 cases, $60, screw cap. Sourced from unique small block vines surrounded by Oregon oak trees. “TR” is Farsi for “star.” A Demeter Certified Biodynamic® wine. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of red cherry, cranberry, underbrush and oak spice and toast. The core of cherry and raspberry fruit has personality and is accompanied by subtle purple berry and plum flavors. Discreet in weight, with husky ripe fruit tannins, yet no astringency on the finish. A bit of complimentary oak plies the background. Score: 92. Reviewed November 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Star of Bethlehem Flower Block Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 86 cases, $75, screw cap. Old, self-rooted vines. “Star of Bethlehem” flowers grow in the vine rows of this block. · Light ruby red color in the glass. A perfumed nose offers aromas of white flowers, red berry, cherry, spice, sandalwood and red licorice. Light in weight in a very delicate style with flavors of red cherry and red berry, a touch of spice and a hint of herbaceousness. The tannins are very fine grained and the acidity provides good verve. This diaphanous wine may be too demurely extracted for those seeking richer fruit flavor. Score: 91. Reviewed November 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Kelley Fox Wines Red Barn Blocks Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $99, screw cap. Sourced from blocks of own-rooted Wädenswil and Pommard clones surrounding the Maresh Red Barn. · Light garnet color in the glass. The incredibly seductive nose offers aromas of red cherry, strawberry, spice, red rose petal and sandalwood. Gentle power in the mouth offering more presence than one would expect from the wine’s light color. Elegantly styled with a train of juicy red cherry flavor and a subtle savory herbal note. Suave in the mouth with a shadow of oak and a very long, lip-smacking finish. Tastes like an aged La Tȃche. Score: 95. Reviewed May 26, 2022 ARTICLE »
2009 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $39, screw cap. Grapes are sourced from a block of the Maresh Vineyard planted in 1970. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose makes you want to dive into the glass, offering hi-tone scents of fresh pie cherries, baking spice, graham and petrichor. Medium weight flavors of dark red cherries and raspberries with an oak sheen and a refreshing cut of citrus peel on the long finish. Soft, dreamy tannins and easy approachability, but displaying the balance to age. A feminine wine with curves. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass with very slight rim bricking. A very silky and elegant wine that offers appealing aromas and flavors of black cherry and black raspberry, underlain with a stem and root vegetable thread. The thirst quenching finish leaves a lasting impression. Enjoyable now or can be aged short term. Score: 90. Reviewed February 21, 2015 ARTICLE »
2008 Kelley Fox Momtazi Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $39, screw cap. Sourced from an 11-year-old block of 113 and 115 clones. Aged in 30% new French oak. · Scents of green olive, mulberry and pharmaceutical blow off over time to reveal subtle well-oaked fresh berry aromas with a hint of pine pitch. The wine really pumps out a panoply of berry flavors with a well-married oak component. Soft and demure, the wine is much better integrated with more pure fruit aromas and flavors the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Should blossom in a few years. Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Kelley Fox Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $49, screw cap. From over 38-year-old non-irrigated Wädenswil vines. Aged in 30% new French oak. · Enticing and effusive aromas of spiced cherries, woodshed and evergreen. Very charming cherry, red currant and red plum fruit with hints of cola and brown spice. A loamy note adds character. Silky smooth with soft tannins and impeccable balance. Still a debutante and best to keep your hands off this one for a couple of years. Very Good. Reviewed December 14, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Kelley Fox Wines Momtazi Vineyard McMinnville Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13% alc., 133 cases, $39, screw cap. Sourced from a 10-year-old block of Dijon 113 and 115 clones. Biodynamically-farmed vineyard. · Light garnet color in glass. Mineral-infused aromas of cherries with a whiff of iron, wet stone and funk. Discreetly composed core of earth-dusted dark red fruits, especially bright, juicy cherries. Moderate tannins with balancing acidity. Very good and recommended. Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13% alc., 69 cases, $49, screw cap. Sourced from self-rooted Wädenswil vines that are over 30 years old. Aged in 30% new French oak barrels. · Light garnet color in glass. Showy nose of strawberries and cherries with a hint of brown spice. Delicately composed, yet delivers plenty of pleasure. Delicate fruit core of strawberries and red cherries accented by spice, clove and graham, gossamer tannins, bright acidity, finishing with impressive aromatic persistence. A well perfumed Dundee Hills debutante that grabs your attention. Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »