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.
- This wine can be aged up to 12 years.
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
2017 – 93 James Suckling | 94 Vinous
2019 – 93 James Suckling