A stunning wine from a classic, cool Oregon vintage!

If you know anything about the history of the Willamette Valley wine region, you’ve likely heard the words David Lett and Eyrie Vineyards. If you don’t know, my brief synopsis goes as such: David Lett is widely known as “Papa Pinot” here in the Northern Willamette Valley. He was the first to plant Vitis Vinifera grapes in this area after prohibition at his estate vineyard site here in the Dundee Hills in 1965. Today, his son Jason carries on the family legacy, crafting the Eyrie wines as well as his own personal label wines called Black Cap.

When 2007 is brought up in conversation, often (too much so some would say) what is focused on is how cool and wet the later part of the growing season was. This made it tricky to produce a well-developed wine with concentration and deep color. Fortunately for us wine consumers, tricky is not a problem for seasoned winemakers such as Jason. While the Eyrie label is known for producing a classic, elegant and earthy Pinot Noir, they never lack in character. The 2007 Reserve is no exception. I was very pleased to see the color deeper and richer than many of the
2007’s I’ve tasted. On the palate, the surprise continued with a silky rich texture. The classic red fruit profile from the Dundee Hills was braced with just the right amount of acidity and structure. The concentration of this wine is incredible. If you have been looking for a wine to dispel the myth of the 2007 vintage this is the one to pour for your nay-saying friends and say, “see I told you so”!

Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Pinot Noir 2007