DAFFODIL HILL VINEYARD
When Judy and Phil Mickelson began planting this vineyard in the Eola Hills in 1997, they had a vision, but even they could not predict what amazing wine would come from this beautiful site. When the Mickelsons stand in the Dijon 114 block atop their vineyard, they are humbled. At a 550 elevation, the vineyard is enveloped in a gorgeous pastoral peace with a spectacular coastal range to the west, a slight breeze, and the occasional screeching hawk overhead.
There are four acres planted in the Dijon 667 clone down close to the barn. These give the wine its luscious mid palate with tons of purple floral and round, ripe black cherry flavors. People often see these flavors in other Eola Hills, but nowhere else do they see the same richness and weight as the unique fruit of Daffodil Hill.
AVA: Eola-Amity Hills (Willamette Valley)
Soil: Jory
Perspective: 350-500 ft elevation; west-facing; a very warm site
Clones: Dijon 667 and Dijon 114 on Riparia Gloire rootstock; Dijon 113 &115 planted on 101-14 rootstock
Planted: 1997 & 2005, respectively
Acres Planted: 21.22
Wine: Daffodil Hill Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir