Bright, ruby tones are striking in the glass and complement the dark red fruit aromas that greet you upon the first whiff. The bouquet exudes strawberries and cream, black cherry and chocolate; reminiscent of a rich, decadent dessert. Brandied red cherries mingle with currants and coconut, while dark chocolate and the signature earthiness of the Dundee Hills round out the palate and persist on a finish.
Pending Press & Vineyard Charateristics
The 2007 Winemaker’s Cuvee is a return to the classic, “cool-climate” style of Oregon Pinot noir. Bright ruby color, mediumbody and aromas reminiscent of fresh red fruit, dried cherries, and cranberries. The wine has a lush, velvety mouthfeel which carries a hint of vanilla balanced with spicy characteristics of nutmeg and allspice. Sturdy tannins and mouthwatering acidity give this wine backbone and a long, persistent finish.
A long, cool season provided good conditions for young plants, but tested the growers in the end. Fruit from our warmest and youngest sites came in during the end of September. We harvested much of our fruit between the showers that fell throughout October. Our growers did an exceptional job of delivering clean, healthy fruit yielding bright, fragrant wines.
Freedom Hill is one of Oregon’s premier and unique Pinot Noir vineyards. Fruit-forward, it showcases a garnet hue both vibrant and alluring. Aromatic notes of dark red fruit, marionberries, blackberries, and earth are followed by florals, spiced fruit, and clove. Bright acidity and ripe raspberry makes this wine juicy and fresh with soft tannins and complex- touches of cola and bittersweet chocolate on the finish.
"My favorite of the portfolio is the 2007 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill. Medium ruby-colored, it exhibits an enticing nose of toast, spice box, underbrush, black cherry, and black raspberry. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has plenty of layered, savory fruit, enough tannin for balance, and lively acidity. This well-balanced effort will evolve for 1-2 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2011 to 2019. "
90 Points
The Wine Advocate
Ripe and full-bodied, this wine exudes both comfort and sophistication. Indulgent yet refined, starting with its bouquet, with aromas of plum, blackberry, anise, leather and vanilla. Followed by rich, spiced flavors, such as blackberry, black cherry, cocoa, orange peel, black pepper, currant, and earth. As always, the Shea drinks beautifully in its youth, but deserves time to mature in the bottle.
Vineyard Characteristics
Shea Vineyard is found in the hilly country outside of Newberg. This steeply contoured site sits atop sedimentary Willakenzie soil. A variety of clones are represented: Dijon clones 114, 667, 777; Pommard; and Wadenswil. Beginning with the benchmark 1994 vintage, Shea Vineyard has yielded some of Panther Creek's most remarkable wines.
Deep ruby and garnet-colored, Temperance Hill possesses an expressively spicy and floral bouquet. The palate persists with hints of cocoa and cinnamon, as well as cranberry, black tart cherry and cola. Fine tannins and bright, fresh acidity offer great structure and balance with a long lingerin finish. This small-production Pinot Noir from some of Oregon’s oldest vines is a true gem.
Strikingly garnet-hued, the 2008 Reserve is not shy to show off its rich aromatic and gustatory characteristics. Essences of dark, blue fruit, black cherries, cocoa, cola, leather, and anise are juxtaposed with soft, but firm, tannins. The bright acidity offers a lasting finish, assuring fine maturity through the years.
A ruby-red hue embodies notes of chocolate-covered black cherries, vanilla bean, cola, and earth. Medium bodied, with subtle hints of cranberry chutney, black raspberry, Bing cherry, and orange zest. Bright, long lasting fruit, balanced acidity and firm tannins. A wine to enjoy presently, but surely worthy of aging 5-10 years.
A deeply vivid and inky magenta hue foreshadows the rich aromas and flavors of this wine. Aromatic hints of pomegranate, marionberry, plum, vanilla, roasted coffee beans and fresh upturned earth. Luscious, racy flavors of black cherry, blueberry pie, pomegranate, nectarine, and cola with a brilliant minerality. Big flavors are paired with bright acidity and firm tannins; this is a truly complex and satiating wine.
Sourced from one of Oregon’s premier vineyards, Freedom Hill is a unique and remarkable site for Pinot noir. A very floral bouquet, with resplendent aromas of orange blossom, rose petal and honeysuckle along with bright red-berried fruit. Full bodied and well balanced, this wine expresses dark fruit and spicy notes, such as black cherry, plum, currant, red and black licorice, cocoa and black pepper. Firm tannins offer excellent grip, while balanced acid offers a long, satisfying finish.
An enticing bright red hue showcases aromas of red cherries, caramel, banana peel, cinnamon, and rose petal. A flirtacious and light-bodied wine, teasing the palate with pretty notes of cranberry, apple, and strawberry, with subtle hints of vanilla bean, wet stone, and mineral, resulting in a long, clean finish. We are proud to say this wine is comprised of three sustainably farmed vineyards.

Photography © Ron Kaplan Photography where indicated. All Rights Reserved.
Panther Creek Cellars - 455 NE Irvine Street - McMinnville, Oregon 97128
503.472.8080 (ph) - 503.472.5667 (fax)
info@panthercreekcellars.com