{"product_id":"walter-scott-2023-freedom-hill-pinot-noir","title":"Walter Scott 'Freedom Hill Vineyard' Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir captures the distinctive depth of Oregon's Mount Pisgah appellation with an unusually graceful balance of concentration and finesse. Sourced from the historic Freedom Hill Vineyard, established in 1981, this limited-production Pinot Noir combines the site's naturally structured character with vibrant freshness, refined tannins, and remarkable aromatic detail. Co-fermented Pommard and Dijon 115 clones, a small whole-cluster component, and carefully measured French oak aging produce a wine of elegance, complexity, and considerable aging potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFounding Partners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ken Pahlow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAssistant Winemaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jacob Sembler\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Variety:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pommard and Dijon 115\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Established:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1981\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-draining Bellpine loam over ancient marine sedimentary formations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFarming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Organically farmed and dry-farmed vineyard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Co-fermented Pinot Noir clones with a small proportion of whole clusters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOak Aging:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 months in French oak barrels, 30% new\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13.5% ABV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 300 cases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrinking Window:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2025–2040, according to published critical recommendations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrilliant ruby-red in the glass, the 2023 Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir opens with wild raspberry, cranberry, black cherry, and pressed flowers, followed by mandarin orange peel, crushed herbs, and damp forest earth. The medium-bodied palate brings together pomegranate, red plum, and raspberry coulis with delicate notes of black tea, truffle, fresh moss, and dark mineral tones. Silky, finely integrated tannins give the wine a graceful texture, while lively acidity provides definition and momentum. Subtle spice and restrained oak support the fruit without obscuring the vineyard's savory complexity, leading to a long, layered finish marked by freshness, earthy depth, and mineral persistence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWalter Scott Wines was founded by Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon with a commitment to producing expressive, vineyard-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Pahlow developed his winemaking perspective through work with St. Innocent, Patricia Green Cellars, and Evening Land Vineyards, while Landon's experience in wine and hospitality helped shape the winery's direction. Their relationship with the Dusschee family at Freedom Hill Vineyard reflects an emphasis on dedicated growers and distinctive vineyard sites. Situated on the southeastern slopes of an ancient uplifted seabed in the Mount Pisgah, Polk County appellation, Freedom Hill benefits from well-draining sedimentary soils and a relatively sheltered growing environment. Established by Dan and Helen Dusschee in 1981 and now guided by their son Dustin, the vineyard has become an important source of structured, expressive Oregon Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Accolades:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e International Wine Review\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jeb Dunnuck, reviewed by Audrey Frick\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Owen Bargreen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decanter, reviewed by Clive Pursehouse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wine Enthusiast, reviewed by Michael Alberty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vinous, reviewed by Eric Guido\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 58–62°F in a Burgundy glass to emphasize the wine's aromatic detail and refined texture. Enjoyable now, the 2023 vintage will benefit from approximately 30–45 minutes of aeration, particularly when young, and offers the structure to develop further complexity with careful cellaring through the late 2030s. Its bright acidity, supple tannins, and savory depth make it an excellent partner for duck confit, cedar-planked salmon, roasted chicken with wild mushrooms, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or mushroom risotto. Aged Comté, Gruyère, and other firm, nutty cheeses also complement its balance of fruit, earth, and mineral character.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buena Vida Wine \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"2023 \/ 750mL","offer_id":67587752099895,"sku":null,"price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/Walter_Scott_Freedom_Hill_Vineyard_Pinot_Noir_Willamette_Valley_Oregon_2023.png?v=1792128091","url":"https:\/\/www.winedispensary.com\/products\/walter-scott-2023-freedom-hill-pinot-noir","provider":"Wine Dispensary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}