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2000 Pinot Noir
Temperance Hill Vineyard
Release Date: 5/25/02
Retail Price: $20.00
Availability: 481 cs.
Production Notes
Temperance Hill Vineyard is located in the hills formed by an ancient volcanic uplift ten miles northwest of Salem, Oregon. The Pinot noir grapes come from the eastern edge of the vineyard, which was planted in 1984 on thin weathered basalt at an average elevation of 720'.
The grapes were fermented in a small bins after four days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 30% new American oak barrels and was bottled without filtration. A small amount of sediment may accumulate during the aging process and is normal for wine produced in this manner. Crop Level 2.5 tons/ acre Harvest 10/13/00 Bottled March 2002
This Pinot noir complements grilled meat entrees - salmon, lamb chops, pork tenderloin, filet - and is drinkable at release or will benefit from aging up to 5 years.
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Winemaker Notes
1998 and 1999 are hard acts to follow. The 2000 harvest did not have the fantastic ripe fruit of 1998 or the big structure of 1999. It was a harvest free from major problems, but not highly stylized. The strength of the 2000 vintage is the clarity of the terroir in the wines. The nuances of site can be clearly seen in all the Pinot noirs.
Temperance Hill usually does not achieved the complexity of my other Pinots. It is not a wine I gush about or drink much. The 2000 Pinot noir, Temperance Hill is different. The growers have been working very hard to get the vines in balance and their success is evident in 2000.
Tasting Notes
The wine has ripe, rich cherry fruit, nuances of aromatic red cedar, and sweet floral aromas of lilac and wisteria. Finesse is not one of my strong points, but this wine has great finesse. It is a great match with grilled meats and the season to grill is here. Temperance Hill always gains weight and complexity by the end of the summer. I expect it to develop over 3-4 years. Try it, you WILL like it.
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