North America | Oregon | Eyrie Vineyards | Estate Pinot Meunier

Estate Pinot Meunier

VARIETAL
Pinot Meunier

NOTES
VINEYARD: Eyrie and Daphne Vineyards. EYRIE: Located at 260’-410’ elevation, and home to 17 acres of vines, this site is where the first wine grapes in the Dundee Hills were planted from cuttings that David Lett brought to Oregon in 1965. DAPHNE: Situated at almost 900 ft., the 12.5 acre Daphne Vineyard, named in honor of a dear friend, is one of the oldest (planted 1974-1984) and highest plantings in the Dundee Hills. The grapes face unique climate challenges, resulting in intense flavors. This is the first vintage where Eyrie's newest plantings produced fruit.

VINIFICATION:2017 was the winter that people in Oregon won’t forget anytime soon. Record breaking precipitation fell in February followed by heavier than normal rain through the spring. Fortunately, the extra water early in the year prevented the vines from experiencing drought stress in the warmer than average summer. The long, slow burn of summer allowed for maximum time on the vine. At the end of September, harvest began just when moderate temperatures moved in. This vintage was Eyrie's latest harvest since 2012 and allowed winemakers to choose fruit at the peak of ripeness.
Fermented using all native yeasts for both primary and malolactic fermentation, and aged for 18 months in French oak with only a very small percentage being new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The Pinot Meunier form Eyrie is a small production, limited wine. Eyrie's David Lett was the first winemaker to plant Pinot Meunier outside of Champagne.

TASTING NOTES: Chewy, with chunky fruit flavors of cranberry and cherry. More tannic and darker than its cousin Pinot Noir, this finishes with citrus-like acidity.