St. Innocent Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard 2020
St. Innocent Winery · Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
At a glance
- Producer
- St. Innocent Winery
- Region
- Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
- Grape variety
- Pinot Noir
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Earthy
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $45-$55
Tasting profile
Fruity notes of cherry, raspberry with hints of earth and spice, gentle oak influence noticeable.
Evolution: Will develop savory secondary notes such as forest floor, dried herbs and enhance texture with age.
At peak: Complex nose combining red fruit with earthy and mushroom undertones, silky texture and balanced acidity.
Structure
- Acidity
- Bright and balanced
- Tannins
- Medium, well-integrated
- Alcohol
- 13.5%
- Aging potential
- 15+ years with proper storage
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2026 to 2030
- Optimal window
- 2024 to 2034
- Current status
- Approaching optimal drinking window
- Current condition
- Youthful with good secondary development starting
This wine from a reputable Oregon producer with a top vineyard designation and a 2020 vintage (considered very good in Willamette Valley) offers structure and acidity for medium-term to long aging. Moderate tannins and balance indicate it should show best starting around 4 years post-vintage and maintain for another 6 to 10 years.
Food pairing
Pairs well with roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, and dishes featuring earthy flavors or lighter meats.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 15-17°C / 59-63°F
- Decant
- Yes (30-60 minutes) — To soften tannins and allow delicate aromatics to open up
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 8/10
Reduced water use techniques, cover cropping, solar energy use at winery, lower-impact packaging
St. Innocent Winery embraces sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices certified under SIP, with efforts focused on water conservation, energy efficiency including solar installations, and minimizing environmental impact through packaging choices. While some distribution involves transport emissions, local production mitigates an otherwise larger carbon footprint.