I am beyond grateful to work with 1968 planted Draper Chardonnay at The Eyrie Vineyards. These are some of the oldest Chardonnay Vines in the Willamette Valley (these are not the oldest vines at Eyrie, the Original Vines). The own-rooted vines are just below the famed Original Vines. The non-irrigated vines grow in volcanic basalt soils of the Dundee Hills and are farmed organically with no tilling or cultivation by Jason Lett and his crew. The 2016 is regal, dense and beautifully reductive aromatically. The palate is both enveloping and weightless, richly mineral, long and profound. Native yeasts fermented the wine, the only additive was sulfur. Aged in 1 once-filled barrel for a year, and a half year in steel, on the lees. Minimal stirring and full malo took place and the wine was bottled unfined/unfiltered. 50 six pack and 12 magnums produced. Vigorous decanting recommended:)
I am beyond grateful to work with 1968 planted Draper Chardonnay at The Eyrie Vineyards. These are some of the oldest Chardonnay Vines in the Willamette Valley (these are not the oldest vines at Eyrie, the Original Vines). The own-rooted vines are just below the famed Original Vines. The non-irrigated vines grow in volcanic basalt soils of the Dundee Hills and are farmed organically with no tilling or cultivation by Jason Lett and his crew. The 2016 is regal, dense and beautifully reductive aromatically. The palate is both enveloping and weightless, richly mineral, long and profound. Native yeasts fermented the wine, the only additive was sulfur. Aged in 1 once-filled barrel for a year, and a half year in steel, on the lees. Minimal stirring and full malo took place and the wine was bottled unfined/unfiltered. 50 six pack and 12 magnums produced. Vigorous decanting recommended:)
2 people found it helpfulJun 15th, 2018
Mason Balistreri 
Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits
8.9
Ultra reduced to the point where I have a tough time recommending it without a disclaimer. That being said, it did come alive after I triple decanted it. Very dense, green apple pith and cream behind a heaping dose of matchstick reduction. Really needs time and or air.
Ultra reduced to the point where I have a tough time recommending it without a disclaimer. That being said, it did come alive after I triple decanted it. Very dense, green apple pith and cream behind a heaping dose of matchstick reduction. Really needs time and or air.
1 person found it helpfulDec 24th, 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
