2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Willamette Pinot Noir

The Eyrie Vineyards, founded by David and Diana Lett in 1966, is located in the Red Hills of Dundee, about 30 miles south west of Portland. It was named for the red-tailed hawks who make their home (EYE-ree) in the fir trees at the top of the first vineyard plantings. The winemaking at Eyrie is very much a natural process, unirrigated vines grow on their own roots and there are no chemicals used in the vineyard. There is minimal handling of the grapes in the winery to retain fruit flavours and freshness, and the wines are bottles unfined and unfiltered. On release these wines are very approachable but are known for their ability to age gracefully.

Other Reviews....
Bright ruby-red. Spicy cherry and black raspberry scents show very good clarity and suave floral and mineral highlights. Silky, sweet and precise on the palate, offering intense red and dark berry flavors that provide excellent palate coverage and a touch of spicecake. Strikes an appealing balance of richness and vivacity, with supple tannins framing the long, fruit-driven finish. This wine is made from 84% estate fruit, with the rest sourced from the Cattrall Brothers, Pear and Bishop Creek vineyards.
91 points
Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar