The winery explains:
In 1968 legendary pioneering winemaker Dick Erath moved to Oregon and established his first vineyard. Because of the long history of Erath Winery most people assume that vineyard was the one on Worden Hill Rd. in the Dundee Hills, but the truth is that the property that first spoke to Dick was Chehalem Mountain Vineyard on Dopp Rd. This site is literally on the borderline of the Ribbon Ridge and Chehalem Mountains appellations dividing line. Were it across the street from where it is it would be in Ribbon Ridge. The number of vineyards in the Willamette Valley prior to 1970 is limited to a handful and those with the original vines still there would be even fewer. This site carries a significance in the history of the Oregon wine industry that simply cannot be understated.
We, at this point, do not get fruit from that 1968 planting (I am going to consider that effort a work still in progress), but we get the next best thing which is the second planting which was done in 1978. This block is one of the few parts of the vineyard that rolls down to the southwest and is the lowest elevation section of the vineyard at just around 350’. The block is filled with old, gnarled vines and unfortunately not all of them are producing at maximum capacity so even in a fairly robust year this 2~ acre block of Pinot Noir is not going to produce much more than about 1 ton/acre.
The wine is different than anything else with blueberry and natural vanilla (non-barrel related) elements emerged during fermentation and have remained in the wine ever since. In a cellar where there is an immense amount of a diversity despite vineyards of relatively close proximity this site and bottling absolutely stand out.
There are no reviews yet on this spectacular 2022 – and it will be long sold out where there are any. But here’s Vinous on the 95-point 2019:
Brilliant red. Incisive, intensely perfumed raspberry, blood orange, cherry cola, Moroccan spice and mineral scents show outstanding clarity. Delivers serious energy on the palate, which features sweet red and blue fruit, spicecake, cola and candied rose flavors that very slowly deepen through the back half. Closes extremely long and smooth, with reverberating spice and floral notes and harmonious tannins that add subtle grip.
And the Wine Enthusiast, which gave it their top Patricia Green Pinot rating of the vintage at $60:
From a 1978 planting, this unique site and clone shines here with bright, detailed and delicious cherry fruit. It's annotated with a dusting of dried earth and herbs. The lightness and depth are impressive, with old vine complexity that lingers and teases as long as you let it hold your attention.
Just a monumental Oregon Pinot Noir – and almost comically underpriced for what it is.
