Availability:

 

Where available in Humboldt:

Larrupin Cafe: Pinot Noir 'Natasha'.

Mytlewood Liquor: Pinot Noir 'Natasha'.

Awards:

Youngberg Hill 2003 Pinot Noir and 2004 Pinot Blanc. (Photo by Geolink Wine.)

Youngberg Hill Inn and Vineyards. Natasha Block is in foreground. A great wedding site! (Photo by Geolink Wine.)

View looking west from the porch of Youngberg Hill Inn. (Photo by Geolink Wine.)

Youngberg Hill Pinot Noir vines from Natasha Block grow in Willakenzie soil. (Photo by Geolink Wine.)

Youngberg Hill Vineyards

McMinnville, Oregon


Youngberg Hill is an estate vineyard and Inn in the McMinnville appellation that overlooks the Willamette Valley and Cascades. Two soil types are found on the 12 acres of vines and sub-divided into two blocks. The Natasha Block is at 198 meters (650 feet) elevation within Willakenzie soil. The Jordan Block is at 228 meters (750 feet) elevation in Steiwer soil. Slope aspect is south to southwest with a 10-25 degree slope. This elevation provides an excellent climate for the development of Pinot Noir fruit as cool coastal breezes and enhanced sunshine allow the fruit to develop to its full potential.

Grape selections are true vine Wadenswill (40%) and Pommard (60%) planted in 1989 and yield about 2 tons/acre with total case production of 1,000 cases/year. The vineyard is dry farmed and began practicing organic farming methods in 2003 and has also begun incorporating biodynamic methods. Youngberg Hill is currently LIVE (Low Impact Viticulture and Enology) certified and is working toward biodynamic certification.

The wines at youngberg hill are produced by acclaimed winemaker Laurent Montalieu founder of the Northwest Wine Company in McMinnville. This years releases mark the first time the wine has been separated by blocks. The 2004 Pinot Noir 'Natasha Block' is "crisp in texture, with black pepper prominent in the aroma and flavor range, finishing with attractive blueberry and plum notes against fine grained tannins" (Wine Spectator, Vol. 31, No.13, pg 178). The 2004 Pinot Noir 'Jordan Block' is "firm and focused, with layers of spicy, peppery, accents to the lean blackberry and currant flavors (Wine Spectator, Vol. 31, No.13, pg 178). The Pinot Blanc was aged 2 months in neutral oak. It contains 0.6% residual sugar and low acid giving it a full bodied feel without a bittersweet aftertaste. The Pinot Blanc fruit comes from a neighborhood vineyard that has the largest and oldest planting of Pinot Blanc in the Willamette Valley.

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