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2003 Pinot Noir
Temperance Hill Vineyard
Release Date: 5/22/05
Retail Price: $22.00
Availability: 504 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, that was planted in 1984 on thin weathered basalt at an average elevation of 720'.
The grapes were fermented in a small tank after two days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 25% new French oak barrels and was bottled after a light gelatin fining. A small amount of sediment may accumulate during the aging process and is normal for wine produced in this manner.
Crop Level 2.1 tons/acre
Harvest 10/6/03
Bottled February 2005
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
Situated at 723' atop the Eola Hills, this is our coolest and latest ripening vineyard. The vineyard is managed by Dai Crisp, one of Oregon's great grapegrowers, and is farmed organically. We have two blocks: one high on an east facing ridge, the other slightly lower and facing south.
We have a new block at Temperance Hill that will come into production in 2007. It lies on a sheltered south facing hill just to the north of Bethel Heights Vineyard's Flat Block. It consists of two different Pinot noir clones planted on phyloxera resistant rootstock at three times the density of our old plantings. I believe this block to be the best at Temperance Hill. Look for the first wine in 2009.
Tasting Notes
Temperance Hill is a cool site and benefits from warmer vintages. The 2003 is especially complex. Red and black cherries, dried flowers, and pomegranate aromas are layered with hints of cigar. Intensely concentrated dark cherry flavors, medium-to-rich sweet tannins coat your tongue and your cheeks. Still a bit young and brawny, this Temperance Hill will open over the next six months and should peak in 5-7 years. When I fire up the barbeque, this is the wine I serve. It matches perfectly with grilled meats, vegies and potato salad (my favorite summer meal).
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