J.K. Carriere 'Vespidae' Pinot Noir 2023

Region: United States, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Farming: Practicing Sustainable, Certified Organic

This wine is a window into the dry, sardonic humor of Jim Prosser. He named it after the family of wasps he describes as his mortal enemy. Due to his allergy, he’s nearly died twice of stings. Nevertheless he chose to name his flagship wine, the cornerstone of his entire operation, in its honor. The wine is a rotating blend of vineyards every year in order to create the most balanced expression of Willamette Pinot Noir rather than a specific vineyard site. The nose is packed with pepper spice, roses, and ripe cherry notes while it punches the palate with pomegranate, dark earthy tones, and punchy acidity. “Short of sweet and shy of bitter,” as Jim describes it.

Pairings: Hui guo rou - Sichuan-style twice cooked pork belly with peppers and leeks