Erath

Nov .02 2011

“Erath is once again a name to be reckoned with in the Willamette Valley wine scene,” stated Wine Advocate wine writer Jay Miller.

He goes on to say that “the style of the (2009) vintage is forward with plenty of ripe, succulent fruit, attractive spicy red fruit aromas, and generally good balance. Most of the wines are approachable now but have the balance to drink well for 5-7 years.”

Several of Erath’s 2009 Pinots were reviewed in the article “Willamette Valley's 2009 Pinot Noirs,” which appeared in the Oct. 31, 2011 issue of the Wine Advocate.

2009 Pinot Noir Bishop Creek Vineyard – 90 points
The 2009 Pinot Noir Bishops Creek Vineyard raises the bar. Aromas of wood smoke, cinnamon, brown sugar, incense, and assorted red fruits inform the nose of a succulent, supple, impeccably balanced wine that has above average concentration and depth for the vintage. It will provide optimum drinking through 2019.

2009 Pinot Noir la Nuit Magique – 93 points
The 2009 Pinot Noir La Nuit Magique offers the most richness and pure hedonism of the Erath wines. Succulent, dense, and complex, this suave offering will be at its best from 2012 to 2021.

2009 Pinot Noir Leland Vineyard – 92 points
Although light in color, the 2009 Pinot Noir Leland Vineyard offers up a seamless, intense, beautifully elegant wine reminiscent of a quality Chambolle-Musigny. This lengthy effort has the concentration and balance to blossom for another 2-3 years and will provide enjoyment through 2021.

2009 Pinot Noir Prince Hill 777 Clone – 92 points
The 2009 Pinot Noir Prince Hill Clone 777 ratchets up the depth, intensity, and structure. It will prove longer-lived than most wines of the vintage with a drinking window extending from 2012 to 2021+.

2009 Pinot Noir Prince Hill Pommard Clone - 91 points
The 2009 Pinot Noir Prince Hill Pommard Clone offers up a similar aromatic and flavor profile but with a bit more depth and concentration. It, too, will drink nicely through 2019.

2009 Pinot Noir Prince Hill Vineyard - 90 points
The 2009 Pinot Noir Prince Hill exhibits aromas of cedar, underbrush, spice box, cherry, and boysenberry. In the glass it opens to reveal a velvety texture, succulent flavors, and a sense of elegance. Nicely balanced, concentrated, and lengthy, it will provide pleasure from 2012 to 2019.

2009 Pinot Noir Tuenge Vineyard – 93 points
The 2009 Pinot Noir Tuenge Vineyard offers exceptional complexity, balance, and density for the vintage. Layered, seamless, and long, it will drink nicely through 2021 if not longer.