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Winter's Hill Estate Pinot Blanc
Woe So White
As a young woman, Emily left the family clover and wheat farm to discover the world. Her destination? Ecuador, as a Peace Corps volunteer. Before long, she met Peter, a fellow Peace Corps volunteer and budding academic. After Ecuador, home became Michigan. But Oregon called, and they left academia to try their hand at growing grapes on that old family farm.
At the time, their son Russell was just 18. Wine was definitely in his blood, but he too felt the call of the wide world out there. First, New Zealand, where he explored the techniques used to make wine on the other side of the globe. Then, back to Oregon, where he met a nice French girl, Delphine, working in a winery. From there, France – of course – where the young couple studied winemaking in Burgundy.
In 2004, Russell and Delphine were married and they came right back to Oregon. Delphine spent a decade as head winemaker for Winter’s Hill, and now Russell leads the way.
Under his leadership, Winter’s Hill has built a reputation for excellent wines and deep stewardship of the land. They are working to restore Oregon Oak forests and ensure habitat-friendly vineyard management practices.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Winter's Hill Estate, Dayton, Oregon
Pinot Blanc
Winemakers Notes on the 2022 Estate Reserve Pinot Blanc...
Grown on a warm, steep, southwest slope, our estate Pinot Blanc yields beautiful clusters of golden-green fruit. Hand picked and gently pressed, it is then both slowly fermented and then aged in French Oak barrels. Pure and elegant, with aromas of lemon curd and white flowers.
This wine is delicate and light enough to enjoy on its own before dinner, but with enough structure to pair with roast vegetables or hummus.
As you savor the wine, there is a hint of the French oak Puncheons that we use to ferment and age our Pinot Blanc. The subtle oak tannins combine with dried herbs such as fennel for a long, lingering finish.
155 cases produced
For those of you lucky enough to taste the 2021 Estate Reserve Pinot Blanc, here are Michael's notes...
Ripe pineapple, beeswax, lemon and French tarragon aromas are followed by a faint anise note of French tarragon. Lime sorbet, candied grapefruit and rosemary flavors fill the mouth in creamy style. Medium-bodied, with soft acidity. — Michael Alberty
224 cases produced
A Cellar 503 selection in October 2025, Woe So Good Dundee Hills | Pinot Blanc
