Notes from the Winery:
 
Temperance Hill Vineyard is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA,
ten miles NW of Salem, Oregon, and is organically farmed. 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.
 
2016 was the third in a string of warm summers and early harvests. It
produced the smallest crop of the three. The harvest began with a bit
of heat and dehydration in the fruit. This immediately resolved with
cooler temperatures and the rest of the harvest produced well
balanced fruit with lovely flavors and ripe tannins. We finished
picking at the end of September, producing a total of 10,200 cases. In
general 2016 produced lush, early-drinking wines with lovely
aromatics and accessible fruit, spice and floral notes. They can be
aged and are quite approachable in their youth.
 
Tasting Notes: 
 
The nose of the Pinot noir Temperance Hill boldly walks the line
between ripe cherries and raspberries. A signature of this wine is the
smoky quality that is a classic feature of its terroir. This year it veers
toward fresh spruce balanced by purple iris and wisteria. The mouth
is immediately generous with very sweet fruits including wild
strawberry and plum. True to 2016, you can crack this bottle and it
will be a delight. Always fabulous with grilled salmon or pretty much
grilled anything: vegetables, mushrooms, bread and the protein du
jour.