Vineyard: The Eyrie

OwnerDiana Lett
AppellationDundee Hills
StoryThe site in the Dundee Hills was planted by David Lett beginning in 1966 with 1-year-old, own-rooted vines. By 2015, the phylloxera-infected vines are to be worked as long as possible, while replanting in the vineyard using cuttings from healthy vines occurs. Dry-farmed, organic. Wines produced from this vineyard were labeled "Reserve" until 2005 when name was changed to "Original Vines."
Dates Planted1966-1985
Acres7 of Pinot Noir
Aspect260'-410'
SoilsFive different types.
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Chardonnay

12.5% alc., $27. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Highly mineral-driven on the nose with a hint of lemon. Light and restrained, with an elegant presentation of pear, citrus, spice and nutty flavors. Very slightly creamy on the palate with some persistent Score: 90. Reviewed September 7, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Dundee Hills Oregon Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $60. The oldest vines in the Willamette Valley are among the last surviving remnants of the Draper field selection, a French import from the 1930s that is now extinct outside of the Willamette Valley. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. More aromatic, with scents of fresh apple and citrus. A restrained, balanced style that strikes an impression on entry and mid palate with juicy flavors of apple, pear and citrus. Smooth and polished, with an apple driven finish of uncommon length. Score: 93-94. Reviewed September 7, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $80. Eyrie’s original vineyard, and the home of the hawks that grace the Eyrie label. 7 acres planted to Wädenswil, Pommard and Tout Droit clones. The oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley. Elevation runs from 260’ to 410’ and faces south rolling east and west. · Light cherry color in the glass. The most sophisticated and nuanced wine of the single vineyards tasted here, with aromas of cherry, blueberry, and herb garden. Extremely enticing in the mouth, with focused flavors of red and blue fruits that are layered and persistent. Impeccably balanced with an extremely lengthy finish that separates this wine from very good. Score: 93-94. Reviewed September 7, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines The Eyrie Vineyard Pinot Noir

7 acres at 260’-410’. Planted between 1965 and 1985. Wines produced from these vines were labeled Reserve until 2005 when the name was changed to Original Vines. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very savory, with considerable dried herbs and tobacco notes accented with core of cherry fruit. Juicy with modest tannins and noticeable finishing length. Needs several years in the cellar. Reviewed February 28, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 The Eyrie Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $30. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This relatively lean wine is true to the Eyrie style. Aromas of cherry, raspberry and herbs are echoed on the fresh and delicate palate. Modest tannins, complimentary oak, and an impressively long finish with aromatic goodness lasting over half a minute. Score: 90. Reviewed July 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Blanc

13.5% alc., $16.75. · A delicate wine with subtle aromas and flavors of apple, herbs, and nuts, soft and slightly creamy on the palate, finishing fresh and lively with a slight spritz. Good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Meunier

12.5% alc., $35. An unusual varietal bottling for Oregon from 1.5 acres of the original vineyard plantings. Label is written in David’s hand. Very little production and sells out quickly. · Aromas of red berries and cherries with a smoky accent. Light and delicate with flavors of red fruits, tobacco and herbs, lifted with bright acidity. Not to my taste, but extremely popular with consumers. Decent. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $36. A blend of grapes from all estate vineyards. · Light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of herbs and oak dominate the fruit at present. Crisp and juicy on the palate with a delicate core of tasty red cherry and strawberry fruit, finishing with a savory herbal tone. Supple tannins make for easy drinking now, but this wine will benefit from a few years in bottle. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Chardonnay

13.5% alc., $45. A barrel selection. · Shy but pleasing aromas of fresh lemons and fig. Fresh and minerally, offering flavors of fresh green apple, lemon and hazelnut, backed by a good cut of acidity, finishing with a lemon-driven flourish. A connoisseur’s wine that will challenge the senses. Enjoyable now, but will age easily ten years. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 The Eyrie Vineyards Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $35. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure aromas of fresh cherries, herbs and rose petals. Soft and delicate in the mouth with charming red cherry fruit flavor, finishing long and dry with a slight cut of citrus and a riff of herbs accenting the red fruits. A reserved and elegant offering in the classic Pinot Noir mold that is easy to embrace. Very pinotesque. Reviewed November 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $61.50. Aged in 100% neutral oak barrels, lending the reserve wines a unique aroma and flavor profile. · Light reddish color in the glass. Complex aromatic display of cherries, raspberries, tea, herbs and dried rose petals. Reserved but captivating on the palate, with a core of black cherry fruit accented by savory herbs, underpinned with good acidity, backed by mild tannins and offering notable length on the finish. A little more fruit density than usual for this bottling reflecting the warm vintage. A special wine that is very age worthy. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Grown Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $30.25. A blend of four estate vineyards with an average vine age of 29 years. · A red-fruited aromatic profile is accented by notes of herbal oak and pine needle. Moderately rich on the palate with vivid dark red berries, plums and savory herbs singing in harmony, framed by a spark of acidity. Elegant and approachable now, this is a solid wine with exemplary Eyrie style. Good (+). Reviewed January 27, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir South Block Reserve

Picked October 5, Brix 23.1º, pH 3.44. For sale. Moderate weather throughout the summer and fall. David’s final cuvée. He blended this wine shortly before he passed away, and it was re-barreled for a further 16 months before bottling in 2010. Atypically, this wine included some whole cluster inclusion. · Very light reddish purple color in the glass. Stem inclusion is evident in this wine with a leafy, herbal note on the nose and palate. Very smooth and silky, with a core of red cherry and strawberry flavors, picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass. Still young. Reviewed February 28, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 The Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Dundee Hills Original Vines Chardonnay

13.5% alc, 209 cases, $33. 8 barrels from the original vines first rooted in 1965. · Deep golden yellow color. Aromas of lemons, oak char, flint and wax. Attractive flavors of pears, lemons, vanilla wafer with a grip of minerality and grapefruit on the back end. Welcoming richness, slightly creamy in texture with bracing acidity. Reviewed August 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 The Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Original Vines Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $55. Sourced from estate vines planted between 1967 and 1973. · Light ruby color in the glass. Aromas of fresh cherries, toast and herbs. Moderately light and elegant with appealing flavors of cherries and strawberries with an accent of savory herbs. Silky in texture with a good grip of acidity and mild tannins. An austere style that will appeal to lovers of delicate Pinot Noir. Very good (-). Reviewed November 29, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Pinot Gris

Picked September 24, Brix 23.2º, pH 3.44. For sale. Very cool weather in the season kept the crop relatively low, while a dry, hot summer put sugar levels higher than expected. Cooler temperatures and a small amount of rain right before harvest helped to tame the sugars and promote flavor ripeness. · Golden pink color in the glass. Inviting aromas of tropical fruits, grilled lemon and toasty nuts. Impressive freshness and balance with tasty flavors of pineapple, banana and citrus framed by lively acidity. Reviewed February 28, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 The Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Estate Grown Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $60. A vintage marked by extreme weather patterns. Reduced crop levels. · Very attractive aromas of dark red cherries are echoed on the palate with added notes of raspberries and baking spice, and a hint of oak char. Perfectly soft, smooth and understated, even sensual and seductive. Impressive and packed with pinotosity. Currently available for sale on the website. Reviewed August 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 The Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Estate Grown Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $50. One of Oregon’s most unusual and challenging vintages. There were more 100-degree days than ever before creating the hottest vintage anyone had ever seen. Hot winds out of the Columbia Gorge accelerated sugar accumulation. The deep-rooted Eyrie vines managed to pull through the year fine. · Light garnet color. Demure but pleasant fresh red cherry and berry aromas. A delicate wine that is light, soft and smooth with restrained but ample acidity. The elegant red cherry and cranberry flavors are appealing. This wine avoids the problems incurred by a number if producers who were shouldered with overripe fruit, high alcohols and low acids caused by the very warm vintage. Reviewed August 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2002 The Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Willamette Valley Estate Grown Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. Perfect growing season. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color - deepest of the 2002, 2003, 2004 trio. Ripe, even slightly roasted aromas and flavors of cooked cherries, prune, raisin and marzipan. Medium body, smoothly textured with minimal tannins and hi-strung acidity. Quite different from a bottle reviewed in September, 2008. Reviewed August 5, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2002 The Eyrie Vineyards Reserve Estate Grown Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $50. The Eyrie Vineyards was established in 1966 and is the oldest continuous producer of vinifera wines in the Willamette Valley. Founder David Lett recently retired after 37 vintages. His last vintage was 2004, with son Jason Lett taking over the management of the winery beginning in 2005. The Reserve wines are typically released several years after the vintage. · This delicately crimson-colored wine sneaks up on you. At first pass it seems light and acidic, but it grows on you as it expands and evolves in the glass. The nose is quite shy, offering tart cherries and dried herb aromas. Very light and lean on the palate, the red fruits are backed by baking spices, roasted nuts and savory garden herbs. A distinctive style that won’t appeal to those who prefer bold and fruity Pinot Noirs. Reviewed September 15, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1992 The Eyrie Vineyards South Block Reserve Pinot Noir

Picked September 5, Brix 23.0º, pH 3.60. For sale. The hottest year in Oregon’s brief viticultural history, including the warm 2014 vintage. Earliest harvest ever for Eyrie. The challenge was preserving the elegance of the fruit in a year with a shorter ripening span. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of black cherry pie glaze, strawberries and spice. Ripe flavors of purple grapes, strawberries and boysenberries. Very elegant with bright acidity and inviting intensity and length on the finish Reviewed February 28, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1989 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Gris

This might have been the most amazing wine I tasted this day. I have never smelled anything like this wine with its exotic aromas that included cooked banana, roasted nuts, and caramel. Soft, creamy and luscious on the palate, tasting of the best banana split you have ever had, this wine wove together a complex flavor experience that was impossible to adequately describe. This one wine is worth a visit to The Eyrie Vineyards tasting room. Unbelievable. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1980 The Eyrie Vineyards South Block Reserve Pinot Noir

Picked October 17, Brix 23.4º, pH 3.62. For sale. Late bloom with considerable rainfall in June. Warm summer with warmer than usual early October. Yields 0.8 tons per acre. · Moderately light purple color in the glass. Appealing scent of purple berries and spice. Demure but delicious flavors of sweet plum and berry, brewed tea and a touch of floral goodness. Well-structured with some finishing power. More pedigree than the Reserve. Reviewed February 28, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1977 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

Picked October 17, Brix 23.2º, pH 3.26. Not for sale. From 4 rows of original plantings. Cool spring with set in early July. September gave twice the normal amount of rain with gradually cooling temperatures extending into October. · Pale golden orange color in the glass. Aromas of stewed apple, nuts, and caramel. Apple-driven flavors slightly faded with very bright acidity and a dry finish. Reviewed February 28, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1973 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

Picked October 12, Brix 21.8, pH 3.43. Dry and relatively cool from April through June. Moderating temperatures in August and slightly warmer in September with 3 inches of rain in the third week. Cool until harvest. · Pale golden yellow color in the glass. Very delicate, with citrus, green apple and roasted nut highlights, finishing bright and clean. Reviewed February 28, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1972 The Eyrie Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir

Picked October 4, Brix 22.5º, pH 3.53. Not for sale. · Light purple color in the glass with slight bricking of the rim. A delightful aged wine with flavors of cherry, tobacco, tea and dried herbs. Admirable elegance with mild dry tannins and a thirst-quenching finish. Reviewed February 28, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »