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Youngberg Hill 2016 Cuvée Pinot Noir
On the Hill, it’s all about family
Wayne Bailey did not set out to run a B&B. He just wanted to raise his family on a farm and make wine.
After years of working in wine sales and distribution, he finally took the leap to winemaking by studying with some of the best winemakers in the Burgundy region of France.
He fell in love with Pinot Noir and sought out a piece of land that would be the ideal spot to grow the finicky grape. He happened upon Youngberg Hill, bought the place in 2003, and completely overhauled the vineyard, incorporating biodynamic and organic practices.
Best of all, “the Hill” offered the Baileys a chance to raise their three daughters the way they’d been raised back in Iowa – on a farm – with its close connection to land, water, and soil. It was exactly what they wanted.
What the Baileys didn’t plan on was the beautiful bed and breakfast already established on the property. Wayne and his wife have embraced it with gusto, turning it into one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the valley. Youngberg Hill is a must-visit location the next time you’re near McMinnville.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Youngberg Hill, McMinnville, Oregon
2016 Cuvée Pinot Noir
The Willamette Valley is famed around the world for our Pinot Noir. And this Pinot Noir is a great example of why that is.
Wayne’s Cuvée includes fruit from three different vineyards. It starts with grapes from the Bailey Block from their own Youngberg Hill estate vineyard – and then grapes from Bjornson Vineyards and Yamhill Valley Vineyards, stand-out vineyards in their own right.
This is a traditional, light-bodied Pinot Noir with surprisingly layers of complexity. Well balanced, this wine is soft with silky tannins and light acidity. You’ll pick up aromas of pepper, cherry, and a hint of leather.
On the palate, you’ll get traditional Pinot Noir flavors of cranberry, cherry cough drops (trust me, that’s a good thing!), and a nice hit of cinnamon spice. The wine finishes off with a pleasant smokiness that lingers – a perfect pairing for your turkey, sweet potatoes, and gravy.
A Cellar 503 selection in November 2019, Thanksgiving Wines Willamette Valley | Pinot Noir
