#5 on Hi-Time's Top White Wines from North America
The Eyrie Vineyards is not just a business; it's a testament to the power of belief and a true gift to the American wine landscape. When founder David Lett arrived in the Willamette Valley in 1965, he saw not just fields, but a vibrant potential waiting to be awakened. David's decision made him the first to plant Pinot Noir in Oregon's Willamette Valley; a beautiful leap of faith, defying the skeptics who thought the region was too cold. This pioneering act sowed the seeds of an entire industry, nurturing a welcoming, community-focused environment and earning global praise for Oregon's elegant wines. Eyrie's early success didn't just launch a winery; it gave birth to a whole region filled with dedicated dreamers.
While the stunning reputation of their Pinot Noir rightly draws much attention, one of Eyrie's most charming and lasting contributions is the quiet introduction of the beautiful white grape Pinot Gris. This beloved grape quickly found its perfect home in Oregon, blossoming into a refreshing, textural wine that perfectly complements the kind-hearted, artisanal spirit of the state and established it as a major part of the white wine story in America. The full beauty of this commitment is wonderfully captured in the 2023 Pinot Gris Estate bottling, a wine drawn from some of the New World's oldest vines. Critics have unanimously praised its depth and captivating profile.
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Gris Estate is expressive and pretty in the glass, with notes of tarragon, ripe pear, white peach, and citrus blossoms. It’s elegant and mouthwatering, with a salinity that's balanced by refreshing acidity and a medium-bodied feel. It has a lovely elegance and concentration that’s only going to flesh out over the next few years. Drink 2025-2035."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The 2023 Estate Pinot Gris comes from vines averaging about 29 years in age. Tank-fermented and matured for 11 months sur lie, it has inviting aromas of peach, apricot, green herbs, honey and spice. The medium-bodied palate features expressive, honeyed flavors and a softly oily texture. It’s balanced by fresh acidity and has a long, floral finish. 1,952 cases were made."
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 92 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Gris Estate is wildly fresh, with an airy bouquet of dusty dried flowers, cracked slate and lemon oil tempting the imagination. It is soothingly round and pure in style, with ripe orchard fruit swirling across a core of zesty acidity. Lime mingles with a tinge of sour green melon on the finish, punctuated by nuances of fresh mint."
Three impressive reviews from three noteworthy critics cements this wine as a benchmark for what Oregon Pinot Gris can truly achieve!
The Eyrie Vineyards is not just a business; it's a testament to the power of belief and a true gift to the American wine landscape. When founder David Lett arrived in the Willamette Valley in 1965, he saw not just fields, but a vibrant potential waiting to be awakened. David's decision made him the first to plant Pinot Noir in Oregon's Willamette Valley; a beautiful leap of faith, defying the skeptics who thought the region was too cold. This pioneering act sowed the seeds of an entire industry, nurturing a welcoming, community-focused environment and earning global praise for Oregon's elegant wines. Eyrie's early success didn't just launch a winery; it gave birth to a whole region filled with dedicated dreamers.
While the stunning reputation of their Pinot Noir rightly draws much attention, one of Eyrie's most charming and lasting contributions is the quiet introduction of the beautiful white grape Pinot Gris. This beloved grape quickly found its perfect home in Oregon, blossoming into a refreshing, textural wine that perfectly complements the kind-hearted, artisanal spirit of the state and established it as a major part of the white wine story in America. The full beauty of this commitment is wonderfully captured in the 2023 Pinot Gris Estate bottling, a wine drawn from some of the New World's oldest vines. Critics have unanimously praised its depth and captivating profile.
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Gris Estate is expressive and pretty in the glass, with notes of tarragon, ripe pear, white peach, and citrus blossoms. It’s elegant and mouthwatering, with a salinity that's balanced by refreshing acidity and a medium-bodied feel. It has a lovely elegance and concentration that’s only going to flesh out over the next few years. Drink 2025-2035."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The 2023 Estate Pinot Gris comes from vines averaging about 29 years in age. Tank-fermented and matured for 11 months sur lie, it has inviting aromas of peach, apricot, green herbs, honey and spice. The medium-bodied palate features expressive, honeyed flavors and a softly oily texture. It’s balanced by fresh acidity and has a long, floral finish. 1,952 cases were made."
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 92 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Gris Estate is wildly fresh, with an airy bouquet of dusty dried flowers, cracked slate and lemon oil tempting the imagination. It is soothingly round and pure in style, with ripe orchard fruit swirling across a core of zesty acidity. Lime mingles with a tinge of sour green melon on the finish, punctuated by nuances of fresh mint."
Three impressive reviews from three noteworthy critics cements this wine as a benchmark for what Oregon Pinot Gris can truly achieve!
