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2004 Pinot Noir
Temperance Hill Vineyard
Release Date: 5/23/06
Retail Price: $25.00
Availability: 534 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 one day of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 36% new French oak barrels and was bottled without fining or filtration. A small amount of sediment may accumulate during the aging process and is normal for wine produced in this manner.
Crop Level 1.4 tons/acre
Harvest 10/7/04
Bottled March 2006
This Pinot noir complements grilled meat entrees - salmon, lamb chops, pork tenderloin and filet. When served young, this wine is best if allowed to breathe for 1-2 hours. It 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 will become the best at Temperance Hill. Look for the first wine in 2009.
2004 was a classic, as well as a great, Oregon Vintage. Our yields were very low and we supplimented our harvest with fruit from the North Block. The grapes were fully ripe, maintained good acidity, and were free of rot. Their balance is perfect for matching with food and they should age well.
Tasting Notes
The 2004 Temperance Hill is a deep ruby red. It has lush and very attractive aromas of black cherries and dried, chocolate covered cherries. Red and black fruits dominated the palate with hints of sage and tarragon. Well structured, with ample ripe tannin and significant concentration, this Temperance Hill will open significantly over the next six months and should evolve over 6-10 years.
I believe that this wine represents one of, if not the, finest wines I have made from this site. When I fire up the barbecue, this is the wine I serve. It matches perfectly with grilled meats, vegies and potato salad (my favorite summer meal).
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