2009 Adelsheim Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot noir
Wine Background:
Edward and L.S. Koo established their now 100-acre vineyard in
the central part of the Eola Hills in 1981. When Dai Crisp
took over the vineyard management in 1999, he asked us to help
them replant one of the most ideal sections of the
old vineyard. While we have made intensely-flavored wines from
the resulting grapes
for the past several vintages, this 2009 is our third single
vineyard bottling.
Growing Season:
The 2009 growing season began with three months of above
average temperatures coupled with lower than average rainfall.
Bud break occurred around April 20th, giving the 2009 season a
one week head start compared to 2008. Rainfall
increased throughout the pre-bloom period and temperatures
remained higher, resulting in
gorgeous bloom conditions and bountiful fruit set.
Temperatures spiked into triple digits in July, but cooled to
normal levels for August as we eased into veraison.
Harvest began in mid-September for our lower elevation
vineyards, which we had not seen since the 2006 vintage. Lack
of rain around our picking schedule meant grapes could hang
until they reached optimal ripeness. Our Pinot noir grapes
for this wine were harvested on October 12.
Winemaking:
Production of this Temperance Hill Pinot noir followed our
traditional winemaking approach: gentle destemming, cold soak
for greater flavor and color extraction, and fermentation in
temperature-controlled, open-top fermenters. The wine
underwent a secondary, malolactic fermentation in small,
medium toast French oak barrels (30% new) and was aged for 10
months.
The wine was bottled on August 11, 2010.
Appellation: Eola-Amity Hills
Alcohol: 13.8%
Elevation: 660 - 725 feet
pH: 3.46
Soils: basaltic origin Production: 284 cases
Composition: 100% clone 667
THE PLACE
Temperance Hill Vineyard is located in the central,
most densely planted part of the Eola-Amity Hills, just
nine miles northwest of the state capitol building in
Salem. The wines tend toward blueberry aromas and
bold textures. Our Pinot noir clone 667 plants ripen
at the end of the season, but still ahead of the major
rains. Much of this is due to the use of a devigorating
rootstock (101-14 Mgt).
THE WINE
This complex wine exhibits layered aromas of dark
plums and blueberries. On the palate, the wine
displays a sturdy and firm structure, complemented by
smoky spice and toasty, nutty qualities. It would pair
wonderfully with grilled lamb, Italian sausage, and
other savory main dishes."
AGING
The 2009 vintage has great structure and tannins, so
the resulting wines can age from 2012 - 2024.
Adelsheim Vineyard
16800 NE Calkins Lane, Newberg, OR 97132
Tel: (503) 538-3652 www.adelsheim.com
Base Price: $68.00
magnums available for 145.00 perfect for extended ageing in your cellar.
