Vineyard: Winter's Hill

OwnerJohn Winter
VarietiesPinot Gris, Pinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 Winter’s Hill Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 185 cases, $22. Grapes are crushed after picking and rest on the skins for a short time, then gently pressed into neutral French oak barrels for fermentation and 6 months aging. · Moderate pinkish-red color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, strawberry, underbrush and a hint of toasty oak. Somewhat akin to a regular Pinot Noir, with mid weight flavors of cherry, red berry, dried herbs, blood orange and a hint of ginger, along with a lush mouthfeel. The fruit is striking. Score: 91. Reviewed May 12, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Winter’s Hill Watershed Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 800 cases, $25. Fall 2018 release. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Exalted nose that really caught my attention with aromas of dark cherry, purple berry and burnt tobacco. Light to mid weight in style, with a captivating core of black cherry fruit. Sleek and polished, seamless and revealing, with a quenching finish that leads the drinker to take another sip. Even better when sampled the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Quintessential Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and a great value to boot. Score: 93. Reviewed November 2, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Winter’s Hill Estate Watershed Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 1,500 cases, $25. Stemmed grapes were allowed to cold soak for 3 days before yeast inoculation. Aged 8 months in oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Discreetly concentrated, with cherry fruit at the core of the wine and a thread of leafy herbs in the background. There is compost and barnyard aromas upon opening with some fruit expression arriving later. The tannins are supportive, the acidity is brisk, and the herb infused cherry essence shows up on the finish with good intent. Score: 88. Reviewed February 1, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Winter’s Hill Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc

13.0% alc., pH 3.05, 286 cases, $17. Whole cluster pressed within hours of harvest. Fermented slowly to dryness in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation blocked. · Very light yellow color in the glass. A little reduction upon opening resolves over time in the glass. Aromas of pear, grapefruit and toast. Very high-pitched on the palate with tart flavors of grapefruit and lemon-lime. The wine finishes with a dry, soprano finish. Not particularly enjoyable on its own, this acidic wine will show better with fried or fatty foods. Score: 86. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir

259 cases, $19. Grapes are whole cluster pressed with the fruit remaining on the skins a short time to extract color and tannins. Fermented in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate pinkish orange color in the glass. Inviting aromas of fresh crushed strawberries and wooded forest after a rain. Welcoming body and attack, with hi-tone flavors of red berries, apple and poached pear. Noticeable fruit intensity on the finish that is dry, crisp and vivid. Impressive. Score: 90. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Winter’s Hill Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 143 cases, $39. Stemmed grapes underwent a 3-day cold soak before yeast inoculation. The wine was aged 16 months in oak barrels. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, cranberry, strawberry and green herbs lead to a light to mid weight styled wine with flavors that echo the aromas. There is more power than the color would suggest, and the polished texture makes for easy drinking. Very forward, with deft oak management, and well-proportioned tannins. Quite typical of the Dundee Hills in character. Score: 90. Reviewed February 1, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Lundeen Winter’s Hill Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.52, 75 cases, $40. Vineyard originally planted in 1990 by Peter and Emily Gladhart. Those own-rooted Pommard clone vines are the source for this wine. 100% de-stemmed, un-inoculated fermentation, 20 days on skins with pump overs and punch downs. Aged in a mix of once-filled and neutral French oak barrels. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Shy fragrance of cherry and fertile earth. A straight-forward, Light to mid weight styled wine with a juicy core of black cherry fruit. Matching tannins make for easy approachability, and the wine finishes with some intensity and length. Score: 89. Reviewed May 10, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Winter’s Hill Estate Block 1 Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., 44 cases, $49. This bottling is part of the Single Block Series began in 2006. Block 1 is part of the original planting in 1990 and consists of own-rooted Pommard clone. It is at a lower elevation and easterly exposed so it is a cooler block that is usually the last block of Pinot Noir harvested. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry, cranberry and turned soil. A solid, but somewhat lean wine with pleasurable cherry and blueberry flavors infused with a savory thread of herbs. Nicely composed with good harmony and noticeable acidic verve. Score: 88. Reviewed February 1, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Winter’s Hill Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

13.0% alc., pH 3.18, 600 cases, $17. Whole cluster pressed, fermented slowly in stainless steel tanks at low temperature. Malolactic fermentation blocked. · Very light yellow color in the glass. Quite appealing with noticeable harmony, this crisp and refreshing wine offers flavors of apple, pear and citrus, with a lemon-infused finish. It reminds me of biting into a ripe, crisp apple. Score: 89. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Winter’s Hill Estate Reserve Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 150 cases, $65. A barrel selection from estate vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, aged 24 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Subdued, but pleasing aromas of cherry and potpourri. A refined and sophisticated bottling featuring mid weight flavors of red cherries and raspberries with a substantial but not imposing tannic backbone and a good acidic underbelly. Impressive intensity that lasts through a generous finish that won’t let go. Enjoyable now, but will benefit from more time in bottle. Much to admire. Score: 91. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Winter’s Hill Estate Watershed Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $25. Stemmed grapes cold soaked for 3 days before yeast inoculation. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely earth-bound aromas of fresh cherries. Very tasty and uplifting, with broad mid weight flavors of fresh cherries and a touch of spice and savory herbs. The cherry fruit really sparkles. Forward and easy to drink, with a silky mouth feel, modest tannins, and a complimentary riff of oak and citrus on the refreshing, cherry-driven finish. A delightful cherry bombast. Score: 91. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Winter's Hill Estate Single Block Series Block 10 Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 72 cases, $44. Highest elevation block on the estate between 625 and 700 feet. Pommard clone. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very exotic nose with dancing aromas of spiced berries and plum and hints of incense. Perfect balance of well-ripened black cherry, black berry and plum fruits, spirited acidity and refined tannins. Very polished and broad in the mouth with an aristocratic feel. Score: 93. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Winter's Hill Estate Single Block Series Block 4 Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 95 cases, $44. Part of the original 1990 planting in a cooler area of the vineyard that is the last block of Pinot Noir to be harvested. Own-rooted Pommard clone. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with scents of boysenberry, plum, cherry, spice and woodshed. Mid weight parade of luscious dark red and purple fruits backed by silky tannins. Impressive attack and finish with flattering oak in the background. Score: 91. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Winter's Hill Estate Single Block Series Block 9-114 Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 97 cases, $44. Dijon clone 114. Inaugural vintage of 100% clone 114 Pinot Noir. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Black cherry and oak spice aromas lead to a mid to full-bodied array of black cherry and black raspberry fruits. Intense attack, luscious mid palate, and a generous finish that lasts and lasts. A full mouthful of Pinot from a rarely met with monoclonal 114 bottling. Score: 92. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Winter's Hill Estate Single Block Series Block 9-115 Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 72 cases, $44. Dijon clone 115. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Large scale aromas of black cherry, brioche, wooded forest and chocolate donut. Plenty of black cherry and raspberry fruit presence in the mouth with supple tannins and good finishing crispness. Not as sappy as the clone 114 bottling, but very satisfying with especially noteworthy balance. Score: 92. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Estate Bottled Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 195 cases, $34. Sourced exclusively from the Estate Vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in small 1.5-ton open top fermenters. Aged 24 months in 20% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromas draw you into the glass, offering bright cherry, boysenberry, forest floor and smoky oak scents. Delicate and soft in the mouth, with the flavorful essence of fresh dark red cherries and berries, peppery spice and aromatic herbs. Finishes with a bright cut of acidity. Score: 88. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,200 cases, $25. Exclusively from estate grapes. 100% de-stemmed, aged 12 months in oak. Offered in both traditional bottle and recyclable 5 gallon keg format. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose holds your attention with an array of scents including dark red cherries and berries, tea leaf, iron and oak. Quite pleasurable on the palate with a discretely concentrated core of darker cherries and raspberries, with a hint of red licorice and oak. Plenty of minerality in this modest wine with appealing restraint. Very good. Reviewed November 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.46, 800 cases, $34. Exclusively from grapes grown in the Winter’s Hill Vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, aged 18 months in oak. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. More deeply colored and richer in flavor than the Willamette Valley bottling, featuring dark red and purple stone fruits and berries. Very nice earthy underpinning. Well-matched tannins and a long, satisfying finish. A complete, impeccably balanced wine. Very good (+). Reviewed November 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Reserve Estate Bottled Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 125 cases, $55. Made exclusively from grapes grown in the 35-acre Estate Vineyard located between Domaine Serene, Stoller Vineyards and Vista Hills Vineyard. Clones are Pommard, Wädenswil, 114 and 115. 100% destemmed, 24-hour cold soak, inoculated yeast fermentation, aged 31 months in 20% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A fruit-driven nose that has staying power in the glass over time. Enticing aromas of ripe cherries and raspberries with a hint of spice, briar and forest floor. Fullflavored with appealing roundness and pitch, featuring earth-kissed black cherries, black raspberries, and sassafras, set off by well-integrated tannins and acidity, finishing with a rush of spicy raspberry goodness. A riper fruit profile than the 2010 vintage bottling with more richness. Impeccable balance for aging. Hard to stop sipping this one. Score: 92. Reviewed September 5, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Great color of moderate reddish purple. Aged nose, offering scents of must, marzipan, cigar, decayed stump, seasoned oak and medicinal awareness. Modest in weight, with flavors of black cherry, root beer and white pepper. The fruit still has good freshness and intensity. Nicely balanced, with good length on the fruit-driven finish. The tannins are noticeable yet find their place among the ripe fruit flavors that hold on to a finish that exposes a slight hint of alcoholic warmth. Drink up. Reviewed February 1, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Reserve Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 146 cases. The best six barrels out of forty in the 2005 vintage. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cigar, old wood and leather vest lead off. More fruit expression on the palate, offering delicious mid weight flavors of black cherry fruit accented with brown spice and nutty oak. Surprisingly alert, lively and highly pleasurable, with modest tannins still in action. A terrific aged Pinot Noir that will please all pinotphiles. Drink now to 2020. Reviewed February 1, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Reserve

14.3% alc., 155 cases, $50. · This wine has an extraordinary nose of cherries, cola, spice and chocolate leading to a complex depth of flavors of rich red cherries, Coke, and baking spice. There is an underlying earthiness that adds to the appeal. What really wows is the caressing texture of silk and satin. The lovely spiced cherry back end lasts an eternity. This sensual pleasure is everything you could hope for in a Oregon Pinot Noir. Reviewed February 12, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »