The 2009 Pinot Noir Black Cap is made with some outside fruit sourcing but still retains its Eyrie personality. Elegant, concentrated, and lengthy, it lacks the complexity of the Reserve cuvee but is still a top effort in this vintage. It is likely to evolve for another 1-2 years and provide a drinking window extending through 2019. 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

A blend of Bishop Creek and Eyrie fruit. This has a hint of leather, leaf and some greenish tannins, and a tight core of brambly berry and cranberry fruit. Tannins are well managed and balanced to the wine; the leathery, barnyard flavors expand through the finish.——P.G.(8/1/2011)—— 85