94 Points International Wine Report
Another wonderful Pinot Noir from the winemaking team of St. Innocent. It boasts a bright ruby-garnet core with a lighter purple rim and starts off with aromas of macerated strawberries, wet earth, dried flowers, and shades of dark chocolate. More blue-fruited on the palate with gobs of sweet spice and earthiness that hit the back palate on the finish. Tannins are present but well integrated and should help this wine age wonderfully for the next 8-10 years.
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
This elegantly balanced beauty will make you forget all about temperance. The wine’s Twin Peaks aromatic special of pie cherries and a cup of coffee lead to flavors of tart blackberries, lemon zest and a wee bit of black tea and balsa. Serve this wine with anything coming off the backyard grill.
92 Points Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard is youthfully coiled, slowly evolving with scant black cherries, grilled herbs and a tinge of crushed stone. This is racy and sleek with lean red berry fruits and tactile mineral tones, all guided by brisk acidity. It leaves a flowery concentration that coats the palate as gently grippy tannins resonate on. Patience will be required.
Winemaker Notes
Temperance Hill Vineyard is located very high in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. A cool site that ripens very late and is exposed to direct winds through the Van Duzer Corridor off the Pacific Ocean. These winds bring out sweet spice aromas, and the cool volcanic soil emphasizes dark red fruit notes.
Food Pairings
Pair with salmon, lamb chops, and pork tenderloin.
