Some vineyards offer several worthy wines to sample

Jamie wrote to ask about The Eyrie Vineyards Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. Unfortunately, her question wasn’t specific enough to answer. That said, Eyrie is one of Oregon’s oldest producers. The founders, the late David Lett and his lovely wife Diana, are often referred to as the progenitors of Oregon Pinots Noir and Gris. They planted the initial vines in 1965. Lett is credited with planting the first New World Pinot Gris. The Eyrie currently produces wonderful wine under the guidance of their son Jason Lett. Since Eyrie has several Pinot labels available, I decided to list their best recent vintages. Their Dundee Hills PN is an entry-level wine, under $40 the 2014 rates 91 McD points, the ‘15 is 89, and the ‘16, 91 points under $32, will be ready next year. Original Vines Reserve 2015 rates 93 points under $50; the 2016 gets 91 under $70. Their Daphne Vineyard comes from Dundee Hills’ highest elevation. The 2015 is the best in several years at 93 McD and can be bought under $65. Won’t be ready until 2022, but patience will be rewarded. Parker, 96, and Galloni, 95, loved these. Finally, their best-known label, South Block Reserve 2014, will set you back $165, rates 92 McD points. Will age beautifully. The 1994 is selling for $430. For my money, the Original Vines Reserve 2015 is the way to go. Cherry, raspberry, earthy mushroom bouquet. On the palate, more berry, cola, and barrel-driven cedar and oaken spice. Medium body, subdued tannins and cleansing acidity in the finish make this a lovely food wine.

Ron Rubin RRV Sonoma Pinot Noir was a lovely surprise at $19, 89 points, with strawberry, cranberry and herbal notes in the nose. On the palate, ripe fruit and subdued tannins ride a clean acidity; it shows a bit of oak spice in its long, clean finish. 

Saldo is another interesting label from The Prisoner Wine Co. A blank bottle with what looks like a red label-maker tag reading Saldo. The pertinent info including the varietal and vintage is on the back. Your $23 buys a plum and toasted oak nose with hint of black pepper. On the palate, black cherry, firm tannins and some chocolate in the finish. Saldo in Spanish means “here and there,” describing that the juice was sourced from many vineyards. Those who want a chuckle should check out the review from www.badwinereviews.com/wine-1/2017-saldo. I enjoy the writer from time to time because he usually makes me smile.

Let’s make this old-timers week and review the wine of Chateau Montelena. Wine has been produced on this property since 1888; the original name was A.L. Tubbs Winery. In the days of wooden-built wineries, Tubbs built his chateau of stone, with walls from 3 to 12 feet thick, set into the side of a hill. Originally it was planned as a barrel-aging cellar. Later named Mount St. Helena, it was shortened in 1940 to Montelena. You can find the interesting history and pix here: https://montelena.com/winery/history. The 2016 Napa Chardonnay was a winner. RRs, can you believe a Chardonnay review? Winemaker Matt Crafton coaxed a lovely aromatic Chardonnay replete with lemon zest, white floral and lemon blossom notes. Done in the typical vibrant acidity style, on the palate the ripe fruit lends sweet notes of lemon meringue, and the clean mineral finish shows the caramel notes of crème brûlée, 92 McD under $33. The 2017 rates 91 points.

Just in case it ever warms up, keep your eyes peeled for Rosé labeled Chateau Minuty Cotes de Provence. The winery produces several Rosés and you won’t go wrong with any of them. The following all rated 89 McD: Rosé et Or, under $27; Minuty Prestige, the 2018 and ‘19 both with a price point under $18; and finally, M de Minuty under $18. Those into show-stopping packaging may wish to go upscale to their Cuvee 281. The last several vintages, also rated 89 points by scribblers with good reputations, were priced in the $70s. I have not sampled any, but the bottle shot was beautiful.

The great American test is coming to an end. Live feeds from around the country show folks partying hearty, and many were not dressed as Jesse James. Like you I’m hoping for the best, that all involved are unscathed and we can get back to a more normal existence. A votre santé!