Temperance Hill Vineyard sits high along the crest of the Eola–Amity Hills, a breathtaking 200-acre site purchased by the Koos family in 1980- well before the region earned its global reputation. Surrounded by storied neighbors such as Bethel Heights (planted in 1977), Zena Crown, Justice, Zenith (formerly O’Connor), and Cristom Vineyards below, Temperance Hill occupies the pinnacle of one of Oregon’s most coveted vineyard neighborhoods. Each evening, the site is relentlessly “sand-blasted” by cool, salty Pacific winds barreling through the Van Duzer Corridor, which opens directly to the west and points straight at Temperance Hill.
With 100 acres of vines planted, the site stretches along an east–west ridge ranging from 660 to 890 feet in elevation. It encompasses four (or more) distinct growing zones, each defined by its own aspect, exposure, elevation, and volcanic soil profile. These differences, combined with varied vine ages and clone, allow Temperance Hill to produce a remarkable range of expressions depending on the fruit’s origin within the site. What unites them all is a signature style: Pinot Noirs of striking concentration, depth, and age-worthiness. Though often lighter in color, Temperance Hill Pinots consistently deliver vibrant acidity and formidable presence on the palate.
Our block lies at approximately 750 feet of elevation on the vineyard’s eastern edge, just above Cristom Vineyards. Positioned at the crest of a gentle, bowl-shaped section and facing southeast, it is designated as Block “L” on the vineyard’s internal maps. Known as the “Grafted Block,” it was converted to Dijon 777 Pinot Noir from an original Chardonnay planting in the 1980s, giving it some of the oldest rootstock on the property.
Here, the soils are deep, fluffy, and free-draining volcanic Jory clay- distinct from the shallower Nekia and rockier Ridner soils found elsewhere along the ridge. The deeper Jory soils tend to produce a classic, red-fruited profile marked by bright cherry, dark strawberry, floral lift, and subtle savory spice, often reminiscent of white pepper.
The 2018 vintage stands apart. A small crop, warm summer, and ideal autumn conditions allowed us to harvest later than usual, resulting in a darker, more brooding expression of Temperance Hill. This contrasts with the cooler, more red-fruited 2017 and 2019 vintages that bracket it.
2018 score: 93 Points – Vinous, 92 Points – James Suckling
