Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2022

Winemaking

Eyrie Vineyards stands as one of Oregon's pioneering estates, founded in 1975 by David Lett at a time when Pinot Noir seemed an audacious choice for the Pacific Northwest. The winery remains committed to minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the vineyard's character to express itself with restraint and elegance rather than extraction or manipulation.

Tasting Notes

This is a graceful expression of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, opening with bright red cherry and strawberry aromatics that carry subtle earthy undertones and a whisper of forest floor. On the palate, the wine unfolds with silky texture and supple tannins, revealing layers of red berries and cranberry alongside delicate spice notes that feel integrated rather than imposed. The finish is clean and mineral-driven, with lingering cherry that suggests this wine will reward patience in the cellar.

Producer

Eyrie Vineyards operates as a small, family-owned estate that has been instrumental in establishing the Willamette Valley's reputation for world-class Pinot Noir. The vineyard practices sustainable farming across its holdings, with an emphasis on natural fermentations and extended aging in French oak that complements rather than dominates the wine's delicate character.

Terroir

The Willamette Valley's cool maritime climate and volcanic-influenced soils create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, encouraging slow ripening and the development of nuanced aromatics and acidity. Eyrie's vineyard sites benefit from morning fog and afternoon sun exposure that moderates heat while preserving the bright, elegant profile the region is known for—a balance that becomes evident in wines like this vintage.

Food Pairings

Serve this wine alongside roasted duck breast with a cherry gastrique, where the wine's red berry notes and mineral finish will echo the sauce while cutting through the richness of the meat. A simpler option might be herb-crusted salmon or even a composed salad of beets, arugula, and goat cheese, where the wine's acidity and earthy undertones feel at home. For an everyday pairing, think grilled chicken with mushroom butter or a charcuterie board heavy on prosciutto and aged cheeses.