2021 Brooks Pinot Noir Temperance Hill

A rich but transparent ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard is expressive with more introspective aromas of winter spices, fresh pine, pure black cherry, and cocoa powder. Medium to full-bodied, with a more grounded textural feel, it displays meaty richness although it’s not heavy, with notes of fresh potting soil on the finish. A red with an earthier feel, it will do well over the next 6-8 years. This was my first meeting with Janie Brooks Heuck, who has led her family winery since 2004 following the sudden and unanticipated death of her brother Jimi. Today she is one of the few winemakers in the Willamette Valley uniquely dedicated to producing vibrantly styled examples of Riesling. The estate is farmed biodynamically, having Demeter certification since 2013, and all fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts. They have a strong commitment to deforestation, and with every $50 spent on wine, they plant a tree. My first impression of their Riesling wines is that they all seem to have crystalline and high-toned energy without crossing over into searing or austere levels of acidity and often have a well-managed hint of sweetness to round them out. Not to be overlooked, Brooks also produces a full range of Pinot Noir.