The 2009 Pinot Noir Estate is an elegant, spicy, savory wine that is complete on the palate from start to finish. Seamless and lengthy, it can be approached now but should provide enjoyment for another 6-7 years. 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

Blended from four estate vineyards, this new release actually trumps the much-lauded 2008. Aromatics are lovely, a beguiling mix of rose petals, raspberries, earth and herb. The wine has finesse, fine acidity, tension and length. Fine for drinking now, but cellarable for the next decade.——P.G.(8/1/2011)—— 90