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1999 Pinot Noir
Temperance Hill Vineyard
Release Date: 5/19/01
Retail Price: $20.00
Availability: 435 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 two days of cold maceration. The wine aged for 16 months in 28% 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 1.8 tons/ acre
Harvest 10/21/99
Bottled March 2001
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
Temperance Hill is the highest altitude Pinot noir vineyard that I get fruit from. In most years the fruit just barely gets ripe. We usually pick this vineyard 7-10 days later than the other Pinot noir sites. In 1999, the fruit ripened fully for the first time. The must in the fermenter was so thick it resembled jam. As a result, the wine is darker colored with more intense flavors.
Tasting Notes
The wine is dark red with layered aromas of red and black cherry, mint and dark spice hint. The mouth is still tight but, begins to reveal dark cherry fruit, smoky oak, and some white pepper after being opened a hour. It is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats.
This wine always gains complexity after August, I am guilty of consistently underestimating its quality. This year will be no exception.
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