2016 Pinot Noir – Cardiac Hill
95 points, James Suckling
The 2016 Cardiac Hill Pinot Noir is a site-driven wine with rare depth and detail. Planted in 1995, this one-acre block sits on the steepest slope of our estate and delivers naturally low yields and exceptional flavor concentration.
Hand-harvested with 60% destemmed fruit and 40% whole clusters, the wine was aged in 25% new French oak for added structure and length. It’s vibrant and savory, with red cherry, cranberry, plum, and brambly fruit layered with bacon fat, rosemary, and violets.
Awarded 95 points by James Suckling and now beautifully aged, this is a wine to savor and cellar. Just 100 cases produced—only 10 remain.
109 In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Yamhill-Carlton
Vineyard Designation
Estate
Harvest Date
September 13
Alcohol %
13.5
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Earthy and savory aromas of black pepper, cherry preserves, and cranberry sauce lead into red cherry, raspberry, plum, and brambly fruit on the palate. Subtle notes of bacon fat, rosemary, and violets add complexity to the long, fresh finish.
Vineyard Notes
Cardiac Hill is the steepest block on our estate—just one densely planted acre, established in 1995. Its extreme slope, ribbons of clay, and high vine density yield low quantities of intensely flavored Pinot Noir with natural structure and depth.
Production Notes
Fermented in small lots with 40% whole clusters and aged 20 months in 25% new French oak. Bottled without fining or filtration. 100 cases produced.
Winemaker Notes
Grapes were hand-harvested, 60% destemmed, and cold-soaked for five days. Fermented with twice-daily punch-downs and pump-overs. Aged in 25% new French oak for 20 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Food Pairing Notes
Pair with herb-crusted lamb, mushroom risotto, roasted duck, or grilled salmon. Also excellent with aged cheeses like Gruyère or Comté, or vegetarian options like stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Production
100 cases
Other Notes
The 2016 vintage stands in contrast to the darker, more muscular 2015—here, you'll find brighter red fruit, lifted florals, and fine-tuned elegance. A compelling follow-up for those who loved the 2015 Cardiac Hill.