The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir South Block Reserve is the pinnacle of Oregon Pinot Noir and sourced from their oldest Pinot Noir block on the property planted in the late '60s. Since the very beginning, This vineyard has been farmed organically since planting and is a special site for the winery. Winemaker Jason Lett mentions that the south block has about twenty different wildflowers growing between the rows. In contrast, some of their other vineyard sites have about half of this amount. These flowers supply extra nutrients to the soil and hold in moisture, which helps contribute to why this wine is so special. The South Block Pinot Noir often reminds me of a Chambolle-Musigny, and it exemplifies the old Burgundian saying the "iron fist with the velvet glove." The wine possesses aromas of red and blue fruits, minerals, spice, and a touch of underbrush. The palate is dense yet elegant, with notes of red berries, cherry, blueberry, blood orange, liquid minerals, and a savory component. This is consistently at the top of the list for Oregon Pinot and is one of the wines of the vintage. A blockbuster effort, this is one of the best examples of the South Block ever and a wine that can be approached now but has the structure to age for another decade. Simply exceptional, this is one for both serious new and old-world Pinot Noir lovers.
Wine Advocate (Erin Brooks) 98 pts! "Medium ruby in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir South Block Original Vines has tertiary wafts of tea and tobacco leaves, aniseed and mushroom complementing a core of dried red cherries and cranberries. Light-bodied, soft and juicy, the palate offers surprisingly concentrated, detailed flavors, and wave after wave of earthy detail expands on the ethereal finish."
2017 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir South Block Original Vines
2017 The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir South Block Original Vines
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir South Block Reserve is the pinnacle of Oregon Pinot Noir and sourced from their oldest Pinot Noir block on the property planted in the late '60s. Since the very beginning, This vineyard has been farmed organically since planting and is a special site for the winery. Winemaker Jason Lett mentions that the south block has about twenty different wildflowers growing between the rows. In contrast, some of their other vineyard sites have about half of this amount. These flowers supply extra nutrients to the soil and hold in moisture, which helps contribute to why this wine is so special. The South Block Pinot Noir often reminds me of a Chambolle-Musigny, and it exemplifies the old Burgundian saying the "iron fist with the velvet glove." The wine possesses aromas of red and blue fruits, minerals, spice, and a touch of underbrush. The palate is dense yet elegant, with notes of red berries, cherry, blueberry, blood orange, liquid minerals, and a savory component. This is consistently at the top of the list for Oregon Pinot and is one of the wines of the vintage. A blockbuster effort, this is one of the best examples of the South Block ever and a wine that can be approached now but has the structure to age for another decade. Simply exceptional, this is one for both serious new and old-world Pinot Noir lovers.
Wine Advocate (Erin Brooks) 98 pts! "Medium ruby in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir South Block Original Vines has tertiary wafts of tea and tobacco leaves, aniseed and mushroom complementing a core of dried red cherries and cranberries. Light-bodied, soft and juicy, the palate offers surprisingly concentrated, detailed flavors, and wave after wave of earthy detail expands on the ethereal finish."
