Eyrie Vineyards - Chardonnay The Eyrie 2021 (750ml)

Wine Advocate 97 points

"The 2021 Chardonnay The Eyrie, matured in 16% new oak, is especially expressive and powerful, offering surprising concentration for its modest, 12.8% alcohol. It features lush scents of apple pie, honeysuckle, beeswax and toast with streaks of flint and singular spicy undertones. The medium-bodied palate explodes with waves of pure, ripe fruit balanced by fireworks of mouthwatering acidity, and it has a very long, energetic finish."

Jeb Dunnuck 95 points
"The 2021 Chardonnay The Eyrie is a bit reserved initially but opens to reveal notes of hazelnut, citrus pith, and fresh flowers. Highly expressive on the palate, it has a medium to full-bodied frame and a driving core of ripe fruit, with fresh energetic tension through its long finish. This remarkable Chardonnay from Jason Lett is going to have substantial longevity. Drink 2024-2032.The 2021 releases from The Eyrie were tasted at the winery and tasting room in McMinnville with owner and winemaker Jason Lett. In addition to producing some of the benchmark Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley, they produce a wide range from Trousseau to Pinot Meunier to explore. Having only tasted out of barrel the previous year, I was especially impressed with the range of 2021 Pinot Noir from the estate. Annual production is at approximately 10,000 cases, using 95% estate-grown fruit."  

Decanter 96 Points
"This flagship Chardonnay is one of Oregon's best-in-class year after year. From the oldest vines in the Willamette Valley and among the last surviving remnants of the Draper field selection, a French import from the 1930s is now extinct outside of the region. Aromatics lean into a mineral character, with stony notes of crushed chalk, petrichor and a touch of yellow pollen. The palate opens with texture and depth. Hints of grilled pineapple, lemon curd and spice are tempered by a finely etched elegance and filigreed mineral notes of petrichor, stone and savoury spice. Wonderful."