Prosser's 2011 White Pinot Glass is in fact Oeil de Perdrix in hue and inspiration, its juicy if faintly grainy-textured amalgam of red berries tinged with smoked meat, citrus rind, geranium, lees, and mouthwatering salinity practically bound to prove deliciously versatile at table over the next year or two. Native Oregonian Jim Prosser describes having enjoyed a colorful early employment history, but after working in a wide range of cellars in the mid-late '90s, including several of Oregon's best, he started in 1999 J. K. Carriere, building on his relationships with many of the Willamette Valley's top growers. Prosser accords his fruit only a few days cold soak; prefers high-temperature fermentation; utilizes pump-overs as sell as punch-downs; sometimes indulges in post-fermentative cap contact; and settles the young wine only overnight before going to barrels, up to 40% of which are new. The results are understated but impressive, and if more wines are headed the way of the 2002 he showed me on this occasion gives any indication, then watch out (and don't miss out)! Regardless of their A.V.A. of origin, Prosser labels his wines merely for "Willamette Valley." Incidentally, the striking J. F. Carriere labels featuring various wasp species were a response to a life-threatening allergy of Prosser's that he says has more than once been put to a precarious test.Tel. (503) 554-0721

The 2010 Glass White Pinot Noir was barrel-fermented with Chardonnay lees added to the brew. Enticing aromas of strawberry and mineral lead to a mouth-filling, savory, vibrant wine that possesses exceptional length and balance. It is an outstanding value that will provide enjoyment over the next 1-2 years. New father Jim Prosser is well-established in his winery on Parrot Hill in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. He is pleased by the fact that he was able to bring all of his 2009s in under 14% alcohol.Tel. (503) 554-0721; www.jkcarriere.com

Among his two value offerings is the 2008 Glass White Pinot Noir. The wine was barrel fermented with native yeasts and kept on chardonnay lees, then bottled with a bit of spritz. Aromas of apple blossoms and rose petals lead to a crisp, concentrated, refreshing Rose that is perfect for a picnic on a hot summer day. Jim Prosser, owner/winemaker of J.K. Carriere, is building a new winery, hopefully to be finished for the 2009 harvest. In the meantime, he is managing to do just fine out of his old facility.www.jkcarriere.com