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2006 Pinot Noir
Temperance Hill Vineyard
Release Date: 5/24/08
Retail Price: $32.00
Availability: 681 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 30% 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: 2.0 tons/acre
Harvest: 10/5/06
Bottled: February 2008
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 8 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 one of the best at Temperance Hill. Look for the first wine in 2009.
2006 produced wines with great concentration. Moderate crop levels combined with a dry and warm final ripening phase produced berries that were slightly dehydrated and completely ripe. There is an intensity to all of our 2006 Pinot noirs: dark colors, ripe tannins, good acidity, and fully ripe fruit flavors.
Tasting Notes
The 2006 Temperance Hill is a bright ruby red. It has lovely ripe fruit aromas of sweet cherries, raspberries, and cassis with sweet spice, lilac, purple flower, and sweet chocolate nuances. The aromas are very bright and the spices invite further inspection. The mouth explodes with layers of concentrated red fruits and lilac with futher spice notes that extend and transform into its lengthy finish. Ripe tannins and beautifully balanced acidity will make it a great match with food and will allow this wine to develop over years.
When I fire up the barbecue, this is the wine I serve. It matches perfectly with grilled salmon, meats, vegies and potato salad (my favorite summer meal). Ready to drink, the 2006 Pinot noir, Temperance Hill will evolve over a decade.
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