2018 Division Pinot Noir 'Trois' Temperance Hill Vineyard

The initial aromatics are pure Temperance Pinot Noir, which feature dep black cherries, exotic spices and savoury fresh dried tobacco leaves. This vintage has more depth and energy and is more powerful that the lighter 2017. It's a refreshing combination of power and elegance. This garnet/ruby coloured wine is all cherry and intense minerality. The palate has soft coating tannins that fit perfectly with the textual components.

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Viticulture

After a long dry and hot stretch in July and early August, the heat broke at just the right time when veraison was occurring and the temperatures were mild during the day and cool at night, with just the right amount of rain to keep the vines hydrated, all the way through harvest, from mid-September to early October.

First planted in 1980 on what is believed to be the remnants of an active volcano, this impeccably farmed vineyard is situated between 660 - 860 feet in elevation on Nekia, Jory and Rittner soils. The elevations, half moon bowl aspect which traps in daylight warmth, coupled with very cool evenings, all comes together to create the legendary acidity Temperance Hill wines have. Temperance Hill is farmed by Dai Crisp, one of the best viticulturists in Oregon, with care, vast knowledge and dedication.

Our .85 acre block at Temperance Hill is called the 'Upper Bench', which was planted in 2002.

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Vinification

We aged the blend for 12 months in a combination of: one new Austrian oak barrel and three neutral barrels. Following that one year in bottle to help settle and harmonize the wine.

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Recommendation

Worth holding onto for a long while to see what evolves!