The 2009 Pinot Blanc Estate was raised sur lie in stainless steel. Creamy-textured, savory, and nicely proportioned, this tasty effort will provide enjoyment over the next 2-3 years. Both the Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are outstanding values. Unfortunately I was unable to meet with Jason Lett this year, but The Eyrie Vineyards’ wines generally speak for themselves. Eyrie has begun to release (for the first time) their legendary South Block Reserve bottling. It was the 1975, a wine I have tasted recently and rated 97 points, that put Willamette Valley Pinot Noir on the map.www.eyrievineyards.com

Estate-grown and aged on the lees in stainless steel, with broad, mixed-fruit flavors that run from green banana through apples, peaches and pears. The wine feels just a little flat, as if it had lost a little freshness during bottling. Drink up.——P.G.(8/1/2011)—— 86