2009 The Eyrie Vineyards Daphne Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $75. Originally named Stonehedge, the Daphne Vineyard is located above the original plantings about 400 feet higher in elevation and is a marginal site. Planted in 1979 and 1980, it has 13 acres of Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir (1.5 acres of Wädenswil and Pommard). David Lett first made a Daphne Vineyard Pinot Noir in 2001 but didn’t particularly like it, and didn’t release it until years later when it was sold to wine club members. Jason found an old stash in the winery’s warehouse. It was produced in 2008 and 2009, but not in 2010 or 2011 (acidity too high). · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A very generous wine with vivid aromas of red berries and rose garden. More body and intensity than typical for Eyrie Pinot Noirs, featuring copious dark red berry and cherry fruit with a subtle note of oak, finishing dry with impressive length and show of black raspberry flavor. A special wine made in the Eyrie style but amplified, changing with every sip and showing impeccable balance. Flat-out great. Reviewed September 12, 2012

Winery: The Eyrie Vineyards
From article: 2010 Pinots Tasted in the Willamette