St. Innocent Pinot Noir Temperance Hill

WHY WE LOVE IT

Temperance Hill Vineyard is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, ten miles NW of Salem, Oregon.
This vineyard is organically farmed.

Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

Elaboration: This exposed, cool high altitude site ripens later than surrounding vineyards. Our Pinot noir grapes come from three blocks planted on thin weathered basalt. The East Block planted in 1984 is on a steep hill rising to 870’. The “R” (2004) and Pump House Blocks (1995) face south. The de-stemmed grapes were fermented in 4-8 ton stainless steel and Burgundy oak fermenters with no SO2, allowing the fermentation to proceed naturally. After gentle pressing and settling, the wine aged in French oak barrels, 21% of which were new, for 16 months before bottling by gravity without fining. Fermented in French oak barrels, 21% new, 16 months.

Tasting Notes: A beautifully perfumed nose of baking spices with ginger, cinnamon and allspice, dark dried roses and blackberries. Very fresh red berries and cherries with vibrant acidity and hints of allspice fill your mouth. The freshness continues into the finish with spices and dried fruits that linger softly on the palate.

PRESS

2021 – 92 Vinous

2019 – 94 Vinous | 93 James Suckling

2017 – 94 Vinous | 93 James Suckling

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

St. Innocent Winery was established In 1988 by Mark Vlossak in Jefferson, Oregon. Named after his father, Mark spent five years studying, taking classes, and apprenticing with Oregon wine pioneer, Fred Arterberry in order to produce wines that respect the quality and tradition of the Old World in one of the newest and most exciting wine growing regions on the planet: Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

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