About the producer:

Carlton Hill Vineyard was established in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA by David Polite in 1999. After finding an east-facing slope on ancient marine sedimentary soils in Yamhill-Carlton, David and his team planted six acres of Pinot Noir on what he hoped would one day become one of the best sites in the valley. After two decades of thoughtful farming, in which his crew avoids unnecessary use of chemical inputs, his now mature vines are demonstrating that his hopes were well-founded.

In the winery, David has followed a simple approach from the beginning. Without dogma, he seeks to avoid manipulating the wines as much as possible: no yeast nutrients, no added yeast, no enzymes or must-concentrating technology. Put simply, they grow the best fruit they possibly can, and then employ a straightforward winemaking method which allows the character of each vintage to speak for itself. After a native yeast fermentation and gentle extraction, the wines are always aged in around 20% new oak barriques for 11 months. The only variable that changes a bit year to year is the percentage of stem inclusion, which never dominates the flavor profile. The result is pristine, elegant Pinot Noirs which reflect both their place of origin, and the growing season they were born in.

Flor impressions:

Cola, spice, dried black fruits, wet leaves, damp earth. Oregon Pinot to its core. Its intensity cascades from the glass, brilliantly vibrant at 13 years of age. The smell alone induced a shiver – the ultimate sign of quality for me. On the palate, the interplay of its elegantly soft, light texture and bright, refreshing acidity reflect the cool conditions of this unusual, captivating vintage.

-Gaston