2017 Pinot Noir

Winter’s Hill Estate is still an under-the-radar winery but has made a name for itself by producing some of the best examples of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc outside of Alsace and northern Italy; however, they deserve far more love for their consistently fine Pinot Noirs. Russell Gladhart’s parents purchased this heavily wooded property in the heart of the Dundee Hills in 1961 and first began planting vines, 20 acres to start, in 1990. Today there are about 35 acres dedicated to grapes, and they are the sole source for the winery’s production; in addition, fruit is sold to other producers throughout the Willamette Valley. The 2018 Pinots here are well-concentrated, as one would expect from the vintage, but lively as well. New oak is not a priority for Gladhart, but he isn’t shy about using it if the year calls for it, especially for the reserve bottling. I often find these wines to be quite enjoyable on the young side, and the 2018s are no exception.