Lavinea Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 (750ML)

99 JD / 95 DE / 94 JS / 94 WE / 94 WS / 16+ JR / 96 GV

#1 GVWM Staff Favorite 2024 - Daniel M.

From a certified organic, high-quality site, the absolutely stunning 2021 Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard pours a deeper jeweled ruby with purple tinge. It will also certainly do well to decant if opening any time soon, but it quickly blows off to reveal a gorgeous spectrum of aromas including kirsch, lavender, clove, and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, with a weightless feel and a velvety texture, it offers pillowy tannins and fresh balanced acidity. This exceptional and harmonious red is a fantastic counterpart to the Tualatin Hills Estate Vineyard bottling. Bravo. Drink 2025-2045.-Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck

Sheer elegance from the Lavinea bottling of the Eola-Amity grand cru site, Temperance Hill. Lavinea's block was planted in 2001 and, like the rest of the site, is managed by the Willamette Valley sage, Dai Crisp. Haunting aromatics of sous bois, evergreen bough and spicy blood orange zest. There is a potpourri of smoky red florals and a touch of gunflint. The palate is silken; concentrated red berry flavoured alight the fore palate, followed by structured elements of savoury herbs, chicory root, and hints of wild anise. The savoury depths go on as long as the finish. While this wine is captivating, it will only improve over the next 7 to 12 years.-Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

A fruity, crisp and succulent pinot with aromas of forest berries, grilled meat and porcini mushrooms. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Silky texture with a rather intense and structured mid-palate. Vibrant and focused, with a clear finish of tension and length. Drink or hold.-James Suckling

Raspberry and lavender aromas make me happy. When a third aroma reminds me of warm ginger cookies, I'm over the moon. The wine's texture is rough like a pair of new corduroys, with grippy tannins making their presence felt. Flavors of tangy cranberries and bold black tea dominate the palate. Drink 2025–2035. — Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

Savory and dynamic, offering deeply structured raspberry and guava flavors laced with crushed stone, clove and sandalwood tones as this builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033. 234 cases made.-Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Planted 2001 to Pommard and 115 clones. Certified organic and Salmon-Safe.
Tasted blind. Pale purple in colour. Rocky reduction on the nose, violets and black cherry – very youthful. Elevated acidity and tannin that makes my gums stick to my teeth. Lightly vegetal on the finish.-Samantha Cole-Johnson, JancisRobinson

At a trade tasting with well over 100 wines from all over the world, this wine just jumped out of the glass and grabbed my attention. It had great depth, but it was elegant and not heavy. Nuanced and brimming with deep earthy notes, and just reminded me of walking through a damp forest as the sun sets. Cool and beautiful. -Daniel M. GVWM