Eyrie’s Original Vines Chardonnay is made from the oldest vineyard planting in Willamette Valley. The wood was a Draper field selection from 1930s, and the vines have always been organically farmed and non-irrigated. The fruit is de-stemmed, crushed, pressed, and fermented in mostly neutral French oak barrels with ambient cultures.
This is a white wine that rewards decanting. It is savory, with an earthy sense of roasted nut and a texture that is silken but substantial, concentrated. There is a clear sense of its barrel élevage. The aromas yield honeyed fruits and woodsy spice, while the flavors feel autumnal.
It’s the perfect wine for harvest foods: squashes, nuts, game, fowl. Pour it and think about history.
2016 Eyrie Vineyards Chardonnay Original Vines Dundee Hills
12.8% ABV | $60 (sample)
