A new Oregon house, Karta Wines was founded by Peter and Darci Meyerhofe who acquired a farm property in the heart of the newly established Ribbon Ridge AVA. In 2014 established the Meyerhofer Vineyard, dedicating three acres to Pinot Noir, and eventually growing the vineyard to ten acres over the next five years. Karta Wines began to materialize when they collaborated with winemaker Paden West on their own brand.
The wines were very well-made. I really enjoyed the 2022 Karta Wines ‘Les Collines Vineyard Block 50’ Syrah (OB, 92) which is smooth and shows loads of vineyard character with its non-fruit notes. Learn more at kartawines.com and here are my reviews of the new Karta releases.
2021 Karta Wines ‘Evangeline’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2021 Karta Wines ‘Evangeline’ Chardonnay is soft and round on the mouth with Meyer lemon zest alongside toasty brioche and hazelnut notes on the palate. Polished and round, enjoy now and over the next seven years to come. Drink 2024-2031- 91
2021 Karta Wines ‘Looney Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this site in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, this offers beautiful red florals on the nose with salty soils, orange peel and cigar box notes. The palate is fresh with bright tension and a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2024-2034- 91
2021 Karta Wines ‘Nicholas’ Pinot Noir- The excellent 2021 Karta Wines ‘Nicholas’ Pinot Noir also comes from the Looney Vineyard. Soft and approachable now this shows off a pretty core of guava, cranberry and red cherry fruit flavors alongside loamy soils and tobacco leaf notes. Drink 2024-2034- 91
2022 Karta Wines ‘Les Collines Vineyard Block 50’ Syrah- Coming from this esteemed Walla Walla site set in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the 2022 Karta Wines ‘Les Collines Vineyard Block 50’ Syrah delivers tar and wet gravel notes on the nose alongside crushed wet rock, blackberries and black cherry. Nicely stony and soft on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92