RIP David Lett

On Thursday, we lost one of our wine pioneers, David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards. He did much for the Oregon wine industry.

[Jenise]

Sad! It's he and Dick Ponzi who are usually cited as the first to grow and make serious pinot noir in Oregon, correct?

Sad! It's he and Dick Ponzi who are usually cited as the first to grow and make serious pinot noir in Oregon, correct?

David was also the first to Plant Pinot Gris in the United States. Pinot Lovers from Oregon and around the world have lost an icon.

How sad - I met this great character on my one and only visit to Oregon in 1990 (must get back there)- really hard to get an appointment with him, he kept saying on the phone: "I schedule my day in 10 minute slots". In the end I phoned him from the shopping mall close to the turkey-pressing plant which was his winery at the time. I asked if I could come round right away and he answered "sure!". A great experience and I remember the wall covered with all sorts of saying including the famous:
"Just say no to Cabernet".

I think that he was one of the key people responsible for inspiring and encouraging Drouhin to go to Willamette too.

the turkey-pressing plant which was his winery at the time

Still is.

It is good to know that the winery will be in good hands with Jason around.