Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir

I was a little bit surprised not to find any WTN for this. I had a bottle from 2002 not too long ago and it was quite unexpected. Much paler in color than most Pinots, and more garnet than ruby. I think they were going for 'elegant', but it just tasted weak to me. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "meh." Has anyone else tried this wine?

I am a retailer here in Oregon. Eyrie is one of our oldest wineries. They are always a bit on the light side both in color flavor. David Lett strives for more elegance and delicacy in his wines. As time has shown his wines do age well.

[Jenise]

Ben, Eyrie is one of Oregon's pioneering pinot producers, but their quality IMO has not survived the years. I've never had a wine as good as the first Eyrie I had, the 88. I understand striving for elegance but the recent Eyries I've had just taste diluted.

I was familiar with the story of the vineyard, which is probably why I was so surprised by the wine. I think that Jenise hit the name on the head with saying recent vintages taste "diluted". I have a 2003 in the cellar, I'll be sure to take notes when we pop that one open.

Excuse me for not checking, but I thought '02 was David's last vintage. I've resisted opening my '02 Oregon PNs (not that I have that many) so far; I think they will reward a few more years of patience.

Given the notes that I've read, I will especially hold off on these. It is amazing how significant bottle age can fill out wines that seemed thin in the early years. Which is probably why you don't find many "elegant" style producers.

Loved the slim profile bottle btw.

Excuse me for not checking, but I thought '02 was David's last vintage.

I heard that Eyrie just finished a massive re-planting of their vineyards, so the wines may be a little scarce for a few vintages.

Prost!
Bill