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2003 Pinot Noir
Freedom Hill Vineyard Release Date: 9/2005 Retail Price $32/ bottle Availability: 384 cases Production Notes Freedom Hill Vineyard is located in the foothills of the coast range, 10 miles southwest of Salem, Oregon. The site is protected from strong coastal winds by hills to the west. It has a southeast exposure at an elevation of 390' and benefits from heat rising off the valley floor. The Wadenswil block was planted in 1982 and the Pommard Lyre block in 1988 on a well drained, silty clay loam. The grapes were fermented in a small tank after one day of cold maceration. The wine aged for 18 months in 37% new French oak barrels and was bottled after a light gelatin fining. This Pinot noir complements richly flavored red meat entrees - roast beef, duck, leg of lamb. When served young, this wine is best decanted or allowed to breathe for several hours. It will benefit from up to 10 years of bottle age. |
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Winemaker Notes
For me, Freedom Hill Pinot noir is a wine with structure, depth, and richness. The site is quite warm in the day which develops rich skin tannins. Because of it proximity to Oregon Coast range, the vineyard is quite cool at night, maintaining good acidity in the fruit. This combination of tannin and acidity produces a Pinot noir with great structure. Capturing that intensity and revealing the nuances of the terroir (clay-like earthiness, dried flowers, dark spices) without excess tannins is the key to making great Freedom Hill.
Tasting Notes
There is a great purity of fruit, both red and black, in the nose and mouth. The tannins are rich and balanced with Freedom Hill's earthiness and spice adding additional layers on the palate. Expect steady evolution of the fruit and softening of the tannins with up to 12 years of bottle age. Perfect for that Porterhouse or T-bone. Open at least one hour before drinking.