When the 2024 deep freeze descended on the Okanagan Valley, Spearhead Winery looked to the inspiring Cherry Hill vineyard, a 150-acre estate in Willamette Valley’s prestigious Eola-Amity Hills AVA. 90 of those acres are planted to Pommard and Dijon Pinot Noir clones. Cherry Hill vineyard was planted in 1998 after extensive soil analysis revealed that the native Jory soils were beautifully suited to Pinot Noir allowing for both structure and perfume. The moderating influence of the Van Duzer corridor through the coastal range, combined with the bowl-like shape of Cherry Hill’s site, provides ideal growing conditions for finicky Pinot Noir.
Up until the beginning of September, the Willamette Valley's 2024 growing season was trending above the Growing Degree Days average of the last 30 years. Then ripening slowed to a glacial pace as temperatures dipped to 10°C at night and peaked at 21°C during the day. This slowed sugar ripening and allowed the grapes longer hang time, enhancing flavour development without the typical compromise of losing acid or creating too much potential alcohol. 2024 was a classic Willamette Valley vintage worth collecting.
The fruit was hand-picked, destemmed, and cold-soaked for approximately six days before fermenting with ambient yeast. After a gentle pressing, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels for 13 months of aging, 25% of which were new.
Tasting Note
Lifted aromas of ripe red cherry and juicy raspberry mingle with delicate notes of rose petal, dried thyme, vanilla, and a hint of clove. The palate reveals fresh cherry, red currant, and pomegranate, layered with subtle earthy undertones. Vibrant acidity and beautifully balanced structure define this Pinot Noir.
Food Pairing
Lean into this classic Willamette Valley vintage with a classic Pinot Noir pairing: seared duck breast with a berry reduction and wild mushrooms. The tenderness of properly cooked duck will effortlessly match Spearhead’s 2024 Clone 777 Pinot Noir. A berry reduction and wild mushrooms are the perfect accoutrements to highlight this Pinot’s fruit-forward savouriness.