David Hill First Pick Riesling 2020, Tualatin Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon

This Rieslings first impression is of sweet aromas of fresh peach and orange marmalade, a classic characteristic of noble rot (botrytis) and relating to the warmer growing season in 2020. While sweet aromatically, the entry of the wine immediately gives the impression of a drier style Riesling on the palate. Flavors of stone fruits, chalky and pithy tannins tethers this wine to a lighter, balanced profile all while carrying the finish through to an extremely complex, rich and full bodied experience. In the vineyard: In 2020 Oregon experienced brutal wildfires. With 50 square miles separating the Tualatin Hills from the most concentrated smoke, David Hill faired incredibly well, and our fruit escaped untouched by smoke damage. A damp and later than average bloom resulted in smaller clusters and berries, creating a perfect set for what the vines should bare during bloom. A temperate summer allowed fruit to hang without becoming overly ripe, while dry weather systems during harvest allowed the vineyard team to pick with leisure. The circumstances in 2020 produced ripeness and expression among our wines that makes for a seriously age-worthy vintage. In the winery: At David Hill, we harvest our Riesling in three phases hand selecting clusters each time we collect from the vines. Our First Pick Riesling is a selection of the botrytis affected fruit separately fermented to express the noble flavors imparted from this process.