One of the storied Oregon wineries, The Eyrie Vineyards is comprised of 60 acres in five different vineyards in the Dundee Hills AVA of the Willamette Valley. David Lett is known for making the first Pinot Gris wines in North America. In 1965 he and his wife left California for Oregon and he began making wines I970. Lett sadly passed away in 2008 and his son, Jason, serves as head winemaker for the winery.
The current releases were downright gorgeous. One of the best Pinot Gris bottlings that you will find in North America is the absolutely stunning 2015 The Eyrie Vineyards ‘Original Vines’ Pinot Gris (WWB, 93) which is a profound wine that has tremendous weight and poise. This layered effort will stand up to the best white wines in the United States. At the tasting room I was able to try the absolutely epic 1987 The Eyrie Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (WWB, 92) which has remarkable stuffing considering it is now a 30 year old wine. The wine is simply a work of art by David Lett. Learn more about these special wines at http://www.eyrievineyards.com Here are the outstanding wines by The Eyrie Vineyards.
2016 The Eyrie Vineyards Rose- This wine begins with aromatics of rose petals, red cherry, red raspberry and hints of orange rind. This leads to ripe flavors reminiscent of red cherry starburst, watermelon and ripe strawberry. Drink 2017-2021- 90
2016 The Eyrie Vineyards Chasselas Dore- This wine begins with bright aromatics of lemongrass, white peach and pink grapefruit blossom. This leads to flavors of green papaya, Granny Smith apple and suggestions of baking spices. This has wonderful poise. Drink 2017-2022- 90
1999 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris- This is a late release wine by this storied estate for Pinot Gris. This has a lovely rich mouthfeel with ripe flavors of baked apple, brioche, starfruit and nutmeg. This shows impressive poise and weight considering its age. Drink 2017-2020- 91
2015 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris- This Pinot Gris wine has wonderful aromatics of nutmeg, starfruit, baked apple and white peach. This leads to ripe flavors of vanilla cream, ripe pear and New York apple. This has lovely acidity and a rich, almost unctuous mouthfeel from this warm vintage. Drink 2017-2026- 92
2014 The Eyrie Vineyards 'Willamette Valley' Pinot Noir- This translucent colored Pinot Noir wine begins with a bouquet of ripe cherry, red raspberry, pomegranate purée and guava with forest floor accents. There are deep flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, and shiitake mushroom. This shows wonderful structure, as this wine will be long lived. Drink 2017-2028- 92
2015 The Eyrie Vineyards 'Original Vines' Pinot Gris- This simply gorgeous Pinot Gris wine has a huge bouquet of starfruit, Pazzaz apple, orange blossom and brioche. The mouthfeel and textural elements are gorgeous. There are ripe flavors of Gala apple, nutmeg, starfruit and cantaloupe. This has wonderful freshness and poise. This is a stunner from one of the best Oregon producers of Pinot Gris. Drink 2017-2026- 93
1987 The Eyrie Vineyards 'Reserve' Chardonnay- It is downright awesome that this wine shows so beautifully despite being 30 years old. A plush mouthfeel and gorgeous texture showcase ripe flavors of ripe banana, pineapple, Pazzaz apple and hazelnuts with baking spices. There is serious weight and range here. This has wonderful weight and richness, leading to a long-lasting creamy finish. Drink 2017-2023- 92
2015 The Eyrie Vineyards Trousseau- This lively red wine begins with aromatics of red cherry, prune, baking spices, white truffle, and red raspberry. This leads to flavors reminiscent of red cherry, red raspberry, cranberry and red currant. This has a lovely feminine profile, also displaying wonderful, racy acidity. Drink 2017-2025- 90
2014 The Eyrie Vineyards 'Sisters' Pinot Noir- The deep wine begins with aromatics of black cherry, black raspberry, forest floor and suggestions of ripe strawberry. This leads to flavors reminiscent of black cherry, black raspberry liquor, forest floor and wild mushroom. This shows wonderful poise and balance as the earthy aspects shine through. Drink 2017-2028- 92
2013 The Eyrie Vineyards 'Original Vines' Pinot Noir- This translucent colored wine begins with a bouquet of red cherry, prune, red raspberry and sage with forest floor. This leads to ripe flavors of white truffle, red cherry, red raspberry and suggestions of baking spices. Drink 2017-2028- 92
2014 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Meunier- This wine begins with aromatics of smoke, red cherry and red currant. There are ripe flavors of teaberry, red cherry, red raspberry and suggestions of red currant with wild mushroom. The mineral content here is really lovely. Drink 2017-2027- 91
1995 The Eyrie Vineyards 'Reserve' Pinot Noir- The Eyrie Vineyards have these special late released wines that they serve at their tasting room and make available for purchase. This1995 Pinot Noir wine begins with aromatics of prune, Smoke, black cherry and peat moss. This leads to flavors of black tea, black cherry, black raspberry liquor and red currant. This shows surprising strength despite its age. Drink 2017-2021- 91