2008 St. Innocent Temperance Hill Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 656 cases, $30. The vineyard is ten miles northwest of Salem, OR. Sourced from blocks planted in 1984 and 1995 on thin basalt soil. Yields 1.6 tons/acre. · The nose draws you in with a perfume of dark berry fruits, rose petals and subtle oak char. Soft and sensual in the mouth with layers of flavor including tastes of red and purple fruits, cola, tar, brown spice, root beer and herbs. A thread of oak runs thru. Elegantly styled and alluring, but needs time to open in the glass. The label advises decanting now and I agree completely. An excellent cellar candidate that will reward patience. Very good. Reviewed August 7, 2010

Winery: St. Innocent Winery
From article: Small Sips of Oregon Pinot