St. Innocent is one of the best producers of Oregon Pinot Noir. The Temperance Hill Vineyard lies up the hill from the winery and is one of the coolest sites in the Eola-Amity Hills. Cool Pacific breezes lower the air temperature here on a daily basis. The warm 2015 vintage offers a Temperance Hill Pinot with a delicious balance. It shows the ripeness of the harvest with pure black cherry, raspberry, and plum fruits backed by hints of lilac, vanilla and allspice. The flavors are rich and ripe with blackberry, black cherry and raspberry fruits enhanced by a creamy texture, a hint of dried mushroom and lively spices at the finish. Enjoyable now, it can age well for another 8 to 10 years.
St. Innocent, Eola-Amity Hills (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2015
By Wayne Belding