You know that phrase ‘Every picture tells a story’ ?
This one just about sums up an entire weekend.
And oh if you could have tasted this wine, this Pinot Noir so full of itself and yet as unpretentious as they come, true to its roots, it’s heritage and the complete embodiment of all things Willamette Pinot Noirs can offer. Pinot from Oregon is one of my most treasured experiences. When it’s good, it can send you to the moon and this one left me soaring. I was truly sad to see the last drop fall from it’s lip.
This bottle, a 2005 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is made from the oldest and highest vines that Panther Creek Winery owns, and 2005 was considered a fairly traditional year for growing in Oregon; no scorching heat like the area experienced the two previous years, but a more normal pattern of sun and rain that brought good flavor development to the grapes along with good tannins and a balanced alcohol level. Temperance Hill wines are aged in oak for about 16 months before bottling and the Pinot Noir is chock full of a deep dark blue smokey flavor pouring in from the strong scent of earthy tar. It’s a medium bodied wine but smooth and supple, with complex tannins and acidity, lots of ripe cherry and a bit of licorice.
Bottom line- it was delicious, and on a sun soaked screen porch overlooking the bobbing boat, the rippled lake and washing down grilled pork shoulder with lots of extras, it was as complimentary to its surroundings as a wine could be. A good Pinot Noir should set you back somewhere in the $30-$60 range, this one falls right in the middle and is worth every penny.
Wine Details:
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Winery: Panther Creek Cellars, Temperance Hill
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Price Point: ~$35
