2019 St. Innocent Pinot Noir 'Freedom Hill Vineyard'

100% Pinot Noir. The Freedom Hill Vineyard is located in the foothills of the coast range 10 miles southwest of Salem, Oregon. Full destemmed but only minimally crushed, leaving 30-40% whole berries, and fermentations begin spontaneously in large wooden uprights without SO2. Aging is for 11-15 months in 24% new barrels. No fining, only a light filtration, and bottling is done by gravity. Freedom Hill consistently produces some of the state’s most distinctive Pinot Noirs, with muscular structure, drive, and dark fruit profiles. Full of dense spice and broad dark fruit aromas. On the palate there are dark red fruits balanced by ripe tannins. These flavors slowly meld into exotic sweet earthy notes. Built for richly flavored dishes and always a pick for grilled or roasted red meats. 

94 points, Vinous. "The 2019 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard seduces with a sweetly scented bouquet of dusty violets, lavender, dried black cherries and baking spice. Dark red and blue fruits swirl across a core of cooling acidity as this displays textures of pure silk, coming across as elegant and refined throughout. The 2019 continues to captivate through the finish, closing with a coating of sweet tannins and an air of blue and purple-toned florals that lingers on and on. In a word, superb.” Eric Guido