2021 Violin - Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
Violin Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley is a testament to Will Hamilton’s disciplined, site-driven approach. Sourced from a tight-knit group of respected Oregon vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, this small-lot wine showcases the character of each site while remaining true to the region’s Pinot Noir voice. The 2021 vintage draws on five vineyard sites, with the largest portion from the high-elevation Koosah Farm, alongside fruit from Sojeau, Sylvia’s, Witness Tree, and a small block of Temperance Hill known as “12 Rows.”
Winemaking emphasizes purity and a transparent sense of place. After a gentle, natural fermentation, the wine aged for close to a year in mostly second-use French oak barrels, a method chosen to add polish without masking the fruit’s intrinsic profile.
Tasting notes
- Nose: crushed cherry and raspberry, complemented by sweet baking spice, purple flowers, and a whisper of cured tobacco.
- Palate: full yet transparent, juicy up front with finely integrated tannins that carry through the finish.
Details to know
- Vineyards: Koosah Farm (high elevation) with fruit from Sojeau, Sylvia's, Witness Tree, and Temperance Hill’s 12 Rows block.
- Aging: nearly one year in mostly second-use French oak barrels to refine texture while preserving fruit expression.
- Designation: Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with a distinct focus on site character over heavy-handed winemaking.
Food pairings
- Roasted duck
- Mushroom risotto
- Herb-crusted pork tenderloin