Dec 30, 2022
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Tyee Wine Cellars
| Owner(s) | Buchanan Family |
| Web site | www.tyeewine.com |
| Link to this site |
Tyee Wine Cellars is located near Corvallis on the Buchanan Family Century Farm. The 450 acres have been owned by owner Dave Buchanan's family since 1885. Vinifera grapes were first planted in 1974, making the Buchanans one of the unheralded first wave of Pinot pioneers in Oregon. In 1985, the Buchanans partnered with Oregon State University enologist Barney Watson and his wife, Nola Mosier, to start the Tyee Winery. In 2005, the Buchanans became sole owners of Tyee.
The name, Tyee, is in honor of the Kalapooian Indians who encamped on the Corvallis property. Tyee means "chief" or "best" in Northwest Indian dialect.
In 2006, the Buchanan's daughter, Merilee Buchanan Benson, became head winemaker, and the same year Tyee's wines became all estate wines. Production is about 1,500 cases annually.
Most of the wine is sold through long-term accounts in Oregon with some sold out of state. The wines are also available from the online store. Each of the labels features an animal depicted in Northwest tribal art.
Articles About Tyee Wine Cellars
2011 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans First Team (8.47 12/20/2011)
2012 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans Honorable Mention (9.17 12/26/2012)
2012 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noirs First Team (9.17 12/26/2012)
2018 Oregon Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
Chardonnay: No Wonder that it is the Most Popular White Varietal (11.16 1/6/2018)
Large Review of 2009 & 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs With a Few from 2008 & 2011 (9.7 5/9/2012)
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (8.17 6/21/2010)
Not Too Late For Oregon ’08 (8.42 8/11/2011)
Portland Monthly: Oregon’s 50 Best Wines (9.12 10/1/2012)
Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir (9.26 6/23/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (9.50 11/21/2014)
Tyee Wine Cellars Consistently Produces Outstanding Oregon Pinot Noir (12.31 8/19/2022)
Vineyards Established 1965-1971 (12.29 6/5/2022)
Virtuous Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (11.16 1/6/2018)
Reviewed Wines
2017 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $20.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry, cola, tutti-fruity, and a floral lift. The bold flavors of black cherry, ripe
strawberry, spice, cola, and black tea are sturdy on the palate and make quite an impression. Instantly
enjoyable, with easygoing tannins and a seamless, very long finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed May 29, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 Tyee Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 800 cases, $24. 100% Pommard, 777, and 115
clones from the Tyee Estate Vineyard. Whole berry and whole cluster fermented. Aged 18 months in French
oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of
black cherry, cola, and a floral lift.The bold flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, spice, cola and black tea are
sturdy on the palate, making quite an impression. Instantly enjoyable, with easygoing tannins and a seamless,
very long finish. Tasted twice 6 months apart and even better after more aging. The 2018 vintage is now being
offered.
Score: 93.
Reviewed August 19, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $30. Whole berry and whole
cluster fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate
garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas arrive over time in
the glass including blackest cherry, blackberry, burnt tobacco
and potpourri. Striking mid-weight plus flavors of black cherry
and blackberry framed by sturdy but well-proportioned tannins
that contribute to the harmony. An unbelievably long finish is full
of sweet Pinot extract. Even more terrific when tasted two days
later from a previously opened bottle. Drinkable now, but
cellaring will bring more rewards.
Score: 95.
Reviewed May 29, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 Tyee Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 800 cases, $35. 100% Pommard
clone from the Tyee Estate Vineyard. Whole berry and whole cluster fermented. Aged 18 months in French oak
barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas arrive
over time in the glass including blackest cherry, blackberry, burnt tobacco and potpourri. Striking mid-weight
plus flavors of black cherry and blackberry framed by sturdy but well-proportioned tannins that contribute to the
excellent harmony. An unbelievably long finish is lush with sweet Pinot extract. Even more terrific when tasted
the following day from a previously opened bottle. Drinkable now, but cellaring will bring more rewards. Tasted
twice with consistent results.
Score: 95.
Reviewed August 19, 2022
ARTICLE »
2015 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., 300 cases, $20.
Released June 2017.
·
Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of white peach, pear, lemon
curd, fresh straw and a faint hint of band-aid. Full richness in the mouth with flavors of lemon,
pear, pineapple and nut oil. Nicely integrated acidity with a bright stream of citrus on the finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Tyee Estate Williamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 600 cases, $28. Released
November 2017. A blend of all grapes grown in the Estate Vineyard with vines from 15 to 41 years
old.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly nuanced nose, featuring aromas of cherry,
strawberry, rose petal, dried herbs and sandalwood. Lighter weighted but quite flavorful, with tastes
of cherry, red berry, spice and cola. Refined and sleek, with fine-grained tannins, deft oak input and
a juicy finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Tyee Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 200 cases, $35. Released May 2017. A
winemaker’s barrel selection.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. More brooding, with slowly emerging aromas of
darker red cherries and berries, earthy flora and rose petal.
More sap, more tannic backbone, more finish and more
age worthy than the regular Estate bottling. Black cherry
fruit driven with compliments of spice, savory herbs and seasoned.
Needs more time to reach full potential.
Score: 92.
Reviewed January 6, 2018
ARTICLE »
2012 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 400 cases, $28. Released
September 2014. From grapes grown exclusively in the family vineyard adjacent the winery. A combination of
all plantings in the Estate Vineyard from vines 12 to 38 years old. 99 points and #1 wine Portland Monthly
Oregon’s 50 Best Wines 2014. Merrilee Buchanan Benson is the winemaker.
·
Moderately light reddish purple
color in the glass. Aromas of sous-bois, cherry, cranberry, raisin and a hint of oak. Light to mid weight flavors
of dark cherries and purple berries with a hint of teaberry and savory herbs in the background. Silky on the
palate with plenty of firm, dry tannins which tend to dominate the fruit at present. Very Oregonian in style and
character.
Score: 88-89.
Reviewed November 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2010 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 400 cases, $24.99. A blend from
all plantings in the Estate Vineyard from vines 10 to 36 years old.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. Aromas of fresh red fruits, melon and a hint of wasabi. Good mid palate intensity of red cherry,
raspberry, pomegranate and spice flavors finishing with refreshing acidity, and a rush of tannins on the finish.
Good.
Reviewed June 23, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 100 cases, $34.99. Winemaker’s selection of
favorite barrels of vintage.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. Dreamy aromas of dark red raspberries and cherry pie glaze.
Delicious array of red and black cherry and berry fruits exhibiting
noticeable presence without pronounced body. Bright, clean and juicy
with firm, balanced tannins that keep the fruit in line, ending with good tension
on the acid-driven finish. The wine becomes silkier and livelier with air. Very
good (+).
Reviewed June 23, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $23.99.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple color in the glass. Well perfumed with aromas of black cherries, bark, balsam, rose,
sage and spice. Brisk and lively on the palate with medium weight flavors of black cherries and black
raspberries backed by ripe tannins and offering some staying power on the finish. Good (+).
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2009 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $34.99.
·
Moderately light reddishpurple
robe. Reserved but enticing aromas of a bowl of crushed
dark red cherries, plums and berries. A very polished wine with
grace and elegance, yet offering a substantial rush of sinfully
delicious and perfectly ripe dark red cherries and berries that
persist on the crisp and juicy finish. Combines power with finesse. Youthful, and
will benefit from more time in the cellar. Not the blockbuster that the 2008
vintage was, but very representative of the vintage.
Reviewed May 11, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 TYEE Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc..
·
Moderately
light reddish purple color in the glass. Extravagantly perfumed with aromas of cherry, raspberry and
spice. Bright and exquisitely balanced, with a very seductive charge of cherry goodness that lasts and
lasts on the finish. Great now, but plenty of backbone to last long term.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 21, 2015
ARTICLE »
2008 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 500 cases, $24. Produced from vines ranging in age from
34 years to 8 years. Pommard, 777 and 115 clones.
·
Moderate
reddish-purple color in the glass. A charming wine in every way.
Enticing aromas redolent of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries
with a hint of vanilla cone. Lovely array of crisply flavored red and
blue fruits with a hint of herbs. Nicely structured with ripe, firm
tannins and bright acidity finishing dry and satisfying. Amazing value.
Very Good.
Reviewed August 13, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 100 cases, $35. Produced from
own-rooted old vines ranging from 20 to 34 years old (oldest
plantings in the estate vineyard). Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Reserved
but pleasing scent of fresh cherries and raspberries with a hint
of spice and rose petal. Similar flavor profile to the Estate
bottling but with more intensity, more persistence, and more sophistication. The
perfectly ripened fruit has a dark red profile, the dry tannins and crisp acidity
frame the fruit beautifully, and the silky finish makes an lasting impression. A
perfect argument for the superiority of old vine Pinot Noir. The wine was still great
the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, but I couldn’t report beyond this as I eagerly
finished the bottle. An exceptional wine that is much more approachable than many reserve Pinot Noirs from Oregon's 2008 vintage. A vin de garde for Oregon in 2008.
Reviewed August 13, 2011
ARTICLE »
2007 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $19.99.
·
Moderate reddish-purple
hue in the glass. Initial bright aromas of cherries, red berries and soy sauce fading some in the glass with a
minty, green note emerging. Lighter-weighted red and black fruits with a hint of oak and a subtle lift of citrus
peel on the finish. Soft in the mouth with reigned-in tannins. Decent.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $29.99.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy, but
appealing scents of cherry and berry jam with hints of oak and spice. Decent
red berry core with moderate ripe tannins and some persistence on the elegant
finish. A solid wine. Good.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $29.99.
·
Moderately light in color in the glass.
Aromas of ripe dark fruits, oak toast and leather. Juicy red cherry and
berry fruits which are vivid and focused wrapped in moderately firm
tannins. Nicely crafted with a silky mouth feel and admirable
persistence on the back end. Very good.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
ARTICLE »
2017 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $20. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry, cola, tutti-fruity, and a floral lift. The bold flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, spice, cola, and black tea are sturdy on the palate and make quite an impression. Instantly enjoyable, with easygoing tannins and a seamless, very long finish. Score: 93. Reviewed May 29, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Tyee Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 800 cases, $24. 100% Pommard, 777, and 115 clones from the Tyee Estate Vineyard. Whole berry and whole cluster fermented. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherry, cola, and a floral lift.The bold flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, spice, cola and black tea are sturdy on the palate, making quite an impression. Instantly enjoyable, with easygoing tannins and a seamless, very long finish. Tasted twice 6 months apart and even better after more aging. The 2018 vintage is now being offered. Score: 93. Reviewed August 19, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $30. Whole berry and whole cluster fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas arrive over time in the glass including blackest cherry, blackberry, burnt tobacco and potpourri. Striking mid-weight plus flavors of black cherry and blackberry framed by sturdy but well-proportioned tannins that contribute to the harmony. An unbelievably long finish is full of sweet Pinot extract. Even more terrific when tasted two days later from a previously opened bottle. Drinkable now, but cellaring will bring more rewards. Score: 95. Reviewed May 29, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 Tyee Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 800 cases, $35. 100% Pommard clone from the Tyee Estate Vineyard. Whole berry and whole cluster fermented. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas arrive over time in the glass including blackest cherry, blackberry, burnt tobacco and potpourri. Striking mid-weight plus flavors of black cherry and blackberry framed by sturdy but well-proportioned tannins that contribute to the excellent harmony. An unbelievably long finish is lush with sweet Pinot extract. Even more terrific when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Drinkable now, but cellaring will bring more rewards. Tasted twice with consistent results. Score: 95. Reviewed August 19, 2022 ARTICLE »
2015 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., 300 cases, $20. Released June 2017. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of white peach, pear, lemon curd, fresh straw and a faint hint of band-aid. Full richness in the mouth with flavors of lemon, pear, pineapple and nut oil. Nicely integrated acidity with a bright stream of citrus on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Tyee Estate Williamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 600 cases, $28. Released November 2017. A blend of all grapes grown in the Estate Vineyard with vines from 15 to 41 years old. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Highly nuanced nose, featuring aromas of cherry, strawberry, rose petal, dried herbs and sandalwood. Lighter weighted but quite flavorful, with tastes of cherry, red berry, spice and cola. Refined and sleek, with fine-grained tannins, deft oak input and a juicy finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Tyee Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 200 cases, $35. Released May 2017. A winemaker’s barrel selection. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. More brooding, with slowly emerging aromas of darker red cherries and berries, earthy flora and rose petal. More sap, more tannic backbone, more finish and more age worthy than the regular Estate bottling. Black cherry fruit driven with compliments of spice, savory herbs and seasoned. Needs more time to reach full potential. Score: 92. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »
2012 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 400 cases, $28. Released September 2014. From grapes grown exclusively in the family vineyard adjacent the winery. A combination of all plantings in the Estate Vineyard from vines 12 to 38 years old. 99 points and #1 wine Portland Monthly Oregon’s 50 Best Wines 2014. Merrilee Buchanan Benson is the winemaker. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of sous-bois, cherry, cranberry, raisin and a hint of oak. Light to mid weight flavors of dark cherries and purple berries with a hint of teaberry and savory herbs in the background. Silky on the palate with plenty of firm, dry tannins which tend to dominate the fruit at present. Very Oregonian in style and character. Score: 88-89. Reviewed November 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2010 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 400 cases, $24.99. A blend from all plantings in the Estate Vineyard from vines 10 to 36 years old. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of fresh red fruits, melon and a hint of wasabi. Good mid palate intensity of red cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and spice flavors finishing with refreshing acidity, and a rush of tannins on the finish. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 100 cases, $34.99. Winemaker’s selection of favorite barrels of vintage. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Dreamy aromas of dark red raspberries and cherry pie glaze. Delicious array of red and black cherry and berry fruits exhibiting noticeable presence without pronounced body. Bright, clean and juicy with firm, balanced tannins that keep the fruit in line, ending with good tension on the acid-driven finish. The wine becomes silkier and livelier with air. Very good (+). Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $23.99. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Well perfumed with aromas of black cherries, bark, balsam, rose, sage and spice. Brisk and lively on the palate with medium weight flavors of black cherries and black raspberries backed by ripe tannins and offering some staying power on the finish. Good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2009 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $34.99. · Moderately light reddishpurple robe. Reserved but enticing aromas of a bowl of crushed dark red cherries, plums and berries. A very polished wine with grace and elegance, yet offering a substantial rush of sinfully delicious and perfectly ripe dark red cherries and berries that persist on the crisp and juicy finish. Combines power with finesse. Youthful, and will benefit from more time in the cellar. Not the blockbuster that the 2008 vintage was, but very representative of the vintage. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 TYEE Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc.. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Extravagantly perfumed with aromas of cherry, raspberry and spice. Bright and exquisitely balanced, with a very seductive charge of cherry goodness that lasts and lasts on the finish. Great now, but plenty of backbone to last long term. Score: 94. Reviewed February 21, 2015 ARTICLE »
2008 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 500 cases, $24. Produced from vines ranging in age from 34 years to 8 years. Pommard, 777 and 115 clones. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A charming wine in every way. Enticing aromas redolent of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries with a hint of vanilla cone. Lovely array of crisply flavored red and blue fruits with a hint of herbs. Nicely structured with ripe, firm tannins and bright acidity finishing dry and satisfying. Amazing value. Very Good. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 100 cases, $35. Produced from own-rooted old vines ranging from 20 to 34 years old (oldest plantings in the estate vineyard). Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Reserved but pleasing scent of fresh cherries and raspberries with a hint of spice and rose petal. Similar flavor profile to the Estate bottling but with more intensity, more persistence, and more sophistication. The perfectly ripened fruit has a dark red profile, the dry tannins and crisp acidity frame the fruit beautifully, and the silky finish makes an lasting impression. A perfect argument for the superiority of old vine Pinot Noir. The wine was still great the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, but I couldn’t report beyond this as I eagerly finished the bottle. An exceptional wine that is much more approachable than many reserve Pinot Noirs from Oregon's 2008 vintage. A vin de garde for Oregon in 2008. Reviewed August 13, 2011 ARTICLE »
2007 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $19.99. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Initial bright aromas of cherries, red berries and soy sauce fading some in the glass with a minty, green note emerging. Lighter-weighted red and black fruits with a hint of oak and a subtle lift of citrus peel on the finish. Soft in the mouth with reigned-in tannins. Decent. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $29.99. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy, but appealing scents of cherry and berry jam with hints of oak and spice. Decent red berry core with moderate ripe tannins and some persistence on the elegant finish. A solid wine. Good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Tyee Wine Cellars Estate Barrel Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $29.99. · Moderately light in color in the glass. Aromas of ripe dark fruits, oak toast and leather. Juicy red cherry and berry fruits which are vivid and focused wrapped in moderately firm tannins. Nicely crafted with a silky mouth feel and admirable persistence on the back end. Very good. Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »