At a glance

Producer

Scott Kelley Wines

Region

Oregon, USA

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Light-bodied and Delicate

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$15-$20

Tasting profile

Muted red cherry, dried cranberry, autumn leaves, forest floor, fading spice; fresh acidity, low tannins, delicate structure but likely showing some oxidative tertiary notes (mushroom, dried rose petal).

Evolution: Fresh red fruit would have faded; tertiary (earthy, savory, herbal) notes dominate. Acidity should provide lift, but expect finish to have shortened.

At peak: At peak (~2014-2016), the wine would have offered brighter cherry and plum, energetic acidity, soft tannins, light floral and spicy notes typical of cool-climate Pinot.

Structure

Acidity

Bright/Medium-high

Tannins

Low

Alcohol

Moderate (13-13.5%)

Aging potential

Limited—typical for Oregon Pinot Noir in this pricing tier, meant for 3-6 years of aging.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2014 to 2016

Optimal window

2013 to 2017

Current status

Past peak but potentially drinkable

Current condition

The wine is now 13 years old and likely past its ideal drinking window for an Oregon Pinot Noir at this price level. Expect diminished fruit and tertiary, earthy notes. If stored well, should still be enjoyable but nearing the end of its life.

At this price and style, Oregon Pinot Noir is crafted for early-to-mid-term enjoyment, not long-term aging. Most examples hold 3-6 years, reaching peak flavor balance about 3-4 years after vintage, after which the wine loses fruit character and gently develops tertiary aromas. 2011 was a cool, late vintage, which can slow development, but $15-20 wines rarely have enough extract, structure, or new oak to reward more than a decade in bottle.

Food pairing

Best with lighter fare that won’t overpower its delicate notes: roast chicken, grilled salmon, sautéed mushrooms, charcuterie, soft cheeses (brie, camembert), or lentil-based vegetarian dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

15-16°C / 59-61°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — Gentle decanting can help dissipate potential reductive or musty notes and open up faded aromatics, though be gentle with maturity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Typical of Oregon producers: likely uses some eco-friendly vineyard practices such as cover crops, reasonable chemical input minimization, and water conservation; not estate-grown. No documentation of solar power, lightweight packaging, or comprehensive sustainability program for this wine.

Scott Kelley is not documented as a leading sustainability practitioner or certified program member for the 2011 Pinot Noir. The Oregon region overall has strong environmental culture, but absent documented certifications or advanced practices, this wine scores as average. No evidence of harmful practices, but no proof of high sustainable commitment—earns a passing grade for likely decent vineyard stewardship but no advanced steps.