Region - Oregon

In the winter of 1965, after earning a degree in viticulture and enology from UC/Davis, and research in Europe, 25-year old David Lett moved to Oregon “with 3,000 grape cuttings and a theory”.   It was the first planting of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and related varieties in the Willamette Valley, and the first Pinot Gris in America.  The Eyrie Vineyards, founded by David and Diana Lett in 1966, is located in the Red Hills of Dundee, about 30 miles southwest of Portland. It was named for the red-tailed hawks who make their home (EYE-ree) in the fir trees at the top of the vineyard.  The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris 2016 offers a medium gold color and intriguing aromas of straw, mango, tangerine and melon, with notes of jasmine and camellia, smoke and loam; after a few minutes in the glass, it unfolds hints of crystallized ginger and candied quince. The wine is supple, almost lush with slightly roasted and quite spicy stone-fruit flavors, tempered by star-bright acidity and a faceted limestone element. The finish brings in some chastening grapefruit astringency.

The flagship wine from King Estate Willamette Valley –  Pinot Gris 2017, reflects an excellence recognized worldwide. Made with the best selection of grapes each year, the 2017 vintage was sourced primarily from King Estate’s certified Biodynamic® and organic vineyard as well as a handful of like-minded sustainably-farmed vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. 2017 King Estate Pinot Gris is a beautiful example from a classic Oregon vintage. This wine has a pale straw color with glistening edges. Fresh fruit aromas of ripe pear and lime zest are followed by pleasant honeysuckle notes. On the palate, there are lively flavors of nectarine, ripe pear and fresh cut pineapple, highlighted by violet tinges. This is a rich, viscous Pinot Gris, with a striking balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Enjoy now and until 2028.