The oldest vines in the cellar produced the co-star of the 2019 vintage, classically Temperance Hill Pinot noir. When we talk "classic" Temperance it's summer raspberries that burst in your mouth, a Thanksgiving-herb medley of rosemary and sage, the ineffable savory complexities that make Temperance Hill unique. Walter Scott's take adds a sultry-umami porcini mushroom note which rides shotgun in this elegant, purring ride. I recommend holding for 6-12 months before sampling, and it should certainly last a good while in your cellar. - Marcus
Dried sage, porcini mushroom, rosemary blossom, tea rose and pine needle balanced with raspberry glaze, huckleberry pie, molasses, anise and clove. Pure finesse with elegant tannins and a complex finish.
2015 vintage notes
96-97 points PinotFile: "I was at a loss of words in describing this joyful nose offering aromas of dark berries, spice and underbrush with a feral tone. One can really taste the Temperance Hill terroir in this wine, with its structured sense and its typically vigorous black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors. The wine is in perfect harmony, with a silky mouthfeel, gracious acidity, fine-grain tannins, and a lasting finish. Still an overwhelming experience when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Pinot Noirs from this vineyard are consistently captivating."
Pure and pretty: prototypical Temperance Hill Pinot. Mouthwatering aromatics melding sweet, floral, and savory elements give way to elegant red and blue fruits. This wine is built for the cellar and will deliver an ethereal drinking experience in five to ten years. Only 100 cases made. - Marcus
2014 vintage notes
Our unanimous favorite of the line-up. This wine is gorgeous. Equal parts supple, concentrated, balanced, it's damn near perfect Pinot noir. Attractive fruit, complementary sweet, savory and spicy components. Production of Temperance doubled in 2014; still there were only 150 cases made. Buy it. A Reserve Pinot Noir Club selection. - Marcus
92 points Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Temperance Hill Pinot Noir, comes from a single acre planted in 1990 and apparently had so much fruit that they bought some fruit from the Pumphouse block. It has a sense of airiness on the nose, brambly red berry fruit, cold stone and brown spices. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a little chalkiness on the entry with fine acidity and a very precise finish that lingers long in the mouth. Just a very classy Pinot Noir destined to age with style and panache."