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Winter's Hill Estate 2019 Watershed Pinot Noir
Travel the world, come home to Oregon
As a young woman, Emily left the family clover and wheat farm to discover the world. Her destination? Ecuador, as a Peace Corps volunteer. Before long, she met Peter, a fellow Peace Corps volunteer and budding academic. After Ecuador, home became Michigan. But Oregon called, and they left academia to try their hand at growing grapes on that old family farm.
At the time, their son Russell was just 18. Wine was definitely in his blood, but he too felt the call of the wide world out there. First, New Zealand, where he explored the techniques used to make wine on the other side of the globe. Then, back to Oregon, where he met a nice French girl, Delphine, working in a winery. From there, France – of course – where the young couple studied winemaking in Burgundy.
In 2004, Russell and Delphine were married and they came right back to Oregon. Delphine spent a decade as head winemaker for Winter’s Hill, and now Russell leads the way.
Under his leadership, Winter’s Hill has built a reputation for excellent wines and deep stewardship of the land. They are working to restore Oregon Oak forests and ensure habitat-friendly vineyard management practices.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Winter's Hill Estate, Dayton, Oregon
2019 Watershed Pinot Noir
The word “watershed” can mean two very different things. First, as in a “watershed moment”, it’s that instant when everything changes in your life. Second, it’s the geographical area drained by a river and its system of tributaries.
Well, for Winter’s Hill, their Watershed series of wines celebrates both – that moment when John and Lena Winter purchased the land that would someday become the vineyard, as well as the winery’s commitment to honoring and protecting the land and the watershed that makes this beautiful wine possible.
And it is a beautiful wine — a classic representation of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
You’ll find aromas of ripe red cherry and cinnamon graham crackers on the nose. You’ll taste cherry pie and red berries with solid tannins alongside mouthwatering acidity to balance out the dryness.
A Cellar 503 selection in January 2023, Classic Wines Oregon Twist Dundee Hills | Pinot Noir
