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Kramer Vineyards

2017 Pinot Noir Cardiac Hill | Library Release

2017 Pinot Noir Cardiac Hill | Library Release
Single-block reserve from our steepest, heat-trapping slope • Bottled June 2019 (6+ years in bottle)

Cardiac Hill: The Intensity of the Slope

Library Release • Bottled June 2019 • 6+ years in bottle • Single-block Pinot Noir from our steepest, heat-trapping amphitheater


Don't Let the Name Fool You

Cardiac Hill is our lowest elevation block—but it's also our most punishing. This south-facing amphitheater acts as a solar oven, trapping Yamhill-Carlton heat while the steep 45-degree pitch ensures the vines never get a lazy drink.

In the red clay soils of this block, the 2017 vintage found a rugged, savory power. While other blocks whisper, Cardiac Hill speaks with a deep voice—expect dark fruit, sun-drenched tannins, and a persistent mineral grip born from the struggle of the slope.

The Architecture:

  • Site: South-facing amphitheater, steep 45° slope
  • Soil: Heavy red clay (heat retention + mineral grip)
  • Planted: 1995, Pommard + Dijon 115
  • Elevation: Lowest on the estate (~600 ft) but hottest microclimate
  • The Effect: Small berries, concentrated flavors, rugged tannins

At 8 Years: Ready Now

What started as bold, structured fruit has evolved into layers of forest floor, dried cherry, black tea, and cracked pepper. The tannins have softened but maintain that distinctive Cardiac Hill grip—savory, mineral, persistent.

This is Pinot Noir for people who want tension and depth, not just fruit and oak.

How to Serve

Temperature: 58–62°F (cool, not cold)
Decant: 30–60 minutes to let the savory layers unfold
Pair with: Duck, pork loin with crispy skin, wild mushroom risotto, aged Gruyère


Compare the Vineyard's Architecture

Feature Cardiac Hill Rebecca's Reserve Heritage
The Vibe Bold & Savory Taut & Precise Graceful & Earthy
Site Steep heat-trapping slope High-density 4×4 block 1984 original planting
Soil Heavy red clay Marine sediments + clay Marine sedimentary
Tannin Rugged & Grippy Fine & Linear Silky & Resolved

Taste the vineyard's architecture side-by-side:
Shop the Estate Blocks 6-Pack →


Library Release Details: Bottled June 2019 • ~125 cases produced • 13% alcohol • Aged 18 months in 20% new French oak • Drinking beautifully now, will continue to evolve through 2030+

Shipping: Included in Estate Blocks 6-Pack and 2017 Vintage Collection. Free shipping on orders $300+.

Club Members: 15% off single bottles (6-11), 25% off full cases (12+). Sign in to see your pricing.

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SKU: 17PNCH
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Yamhill-Carlton
Harvest Date
October 2017
Sugar
22.7 Brix
Acid
5.4 g/L
pH
3.45
Aging
20% new French oak
Bottling Date
June 2019
Alcohol %
13
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Forest floor, dried cherry, black tea, cracked pepper. Light to medium-bodied with savory, earthy character and mineral finish. The 2017 vintage's generous clusters created elegance rather than power, but Cardiac Hill's red clay soils still contribute distinctive depth and complexity.
Vineyard Notes
Cardiac Hill is our steepest hillside block—about one acre planted in 1995 to Pommard and Dijon 115. The south-facing 45-degree slope acts as a heat trap, while heavy red clay soils contribute mineral character and earthy complexity. In the generous 2017 vintage, this site produced elegant, savory Pinot with distinctive site expression.
Production Notes
Hand-harvested October 2017. Fermented with ~75% whole clusters for aromatic lift and structure. Aged 18 months in French oak (20% new). Bottled June 2019. Light to medium-bodied expression of this distinctive block.
Winemaker Notes
2017's large cluster year produced naturally elegant, light-bodied wines across the estate. In Cardiac Hill, we used high whole-cluster fermentation (75%) to build aromatic complexity. The steep slope and red clay soils contributed savory, earthy character even in this generous vintage. At 6+ years, the wine shows beautiful tertiary development.
Food Pairing Notes
Roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, wild mushroom risotto, duck confit, soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. The savory, earthy character pairs beautifully with mushrooms and herbs.
Production
125 cases

Product Reviews

Kelly Dinicolo's Gravatar
Kelly Dinicolo
(Mar 3, 2024 at 5:58 PM)
Had with dinner tonight. It's been sitting in our home for a couple of years. Decided to give it a try tonight. Fantastic. I'm not a professional who can describe notes. But love Pinot and this is one of the best. .

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