Eyrie Vineyards Sisters Pinot Noir 2022

Eyrie Vineyards' Sisters Pinot Noir 2022 represents one of five identically produced cuvées, each crafted with wild yeast fermentation in small vessels and aged in a blend of cooperage featuring 19% new oak. The wine charts a compelling ascent through the Dundee Hills, from the Sisters vineyard at 220 feet elevation to the Daphne vineyard at 860 feet, with each expression reflecting the distinct soil, site, exposure, and vine age characteristics of its origin.

Named for the three Pinot sister varieties—gris, blanc, and noir—that grow on the property, this four-acre block was planted in 1987 to Pommard and Wädenswil clones. The vineyard's south-facing exposure and elevation range from 220 to 330 feet create conditions that yield distinctive aromatics. Floral notes emerge above layers of earth and dark fruit, offering a nuanced portrait of how terroir shapes Pinot Noir expression across the estate's varied microclimates.

Wine Spectator: 92
Sleek and graceful, with elegantly layered raspberry and cranberry flavors that take on appealing accents of green tea and forest floor as this glides toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032.

Wine Advocate: 93
Matured in used oak, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sisters has a pale garnet color and scents of dried cherries, shiitake mushrooms, underbrush and spice. The medium-bodied palate is delicately styled with earth-laced flavors and soft, silky tannins. It’s enlivened by bright acidity and has a long finish.

Decanter: 94
Smoky gunflint, fresh mint and pine tar aromatics come from the Sisters, a vineyard planted in 1989 that now serves as an experimental nursery for Jason Lett and Eyrie Vineyards. It is the lowest elevation of the Eyrie estate sites. The palate gives gobs of earthen mineral tones, turned soils, and hints of pencil lead. A richness of pomegranate molasses, smoky clove and tea tree oil savoriness round out this wonderfully textured and structured Pinot Noir.

Decanter: 94

Smoky gunflint, fresh mint and pine tar aromatics come from the Sisters, a vineyard planted in 1989 that now serves as an experimental nursery for Jason Lett and Eyrie Vineyards. It is the lowest elevation of the Eyrie estate sites. The palate gives gobs of earthen mineral tones, turned soils, and hints of pencil lead. A richness of pomegranate molasses, smoky clove and tea tree oil savoriness round out this wonderfully textured and structured Pinot Noir.

Wine Enthusiast: 94
Sisters is four acres of Pommard and Wadenswill clones planted in the Dundee Hills in the late 1980s. It leads with aromas of loamy soil, meadow flowers and dark, brambly berries. The flavors are a mix of boysenberries and black tea, with wee bits of coriander, sage and crushed brick dust. I'd love to try this with a pork belly banh mi.

Vinous: 94
The 2022 Pinot Noir Sisters Vineyard is lifted and refined, with a dusty bouquet of dried black cherries and flowery underbrush lifted by hints of mentholated herbs. It's more energetic within, silky-smooth yet spry, with bright wild berry fruits and a cascade of rosy inner florals that swirl throughout. Saline mineral tones emerge toward the close as the 2022 finishes with a youthful tension, leaving edgy tannins and notes of spiced blood orange that punctuate the experience quite nicely.

Vinous: 94

The 2022 Pinot Noir Sisters Vineyard is lifted and refined, with a dusty bouquet of dried black cherries and flowery underbrush lifted by hints of mentholated herbs. It's more energetic within, silky-smooth yet spry, with bright wild berry fruits and a cascade of rosy inner florals that swirl throughout. Saline mineral tones emerge toward the close as the 2022 finishes with a youthful tension, leaving edgy tannins and notes of spiced blood orange that punctuate the experience quite nicely.

James Suckling: 93
Lovely nose with some forest berries, red currants, crushed stone and potpourri. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. Velvety, poised and delicious, with a succulent, vibrant finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck: 94
Usually a delicate expression for Eyrie, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sisters Vineyard is over the top out of the gate. The palest red ruby shade, its perfume is floral and highly expressive, with notes of fresh flowers, wild strawberries, Herbes de Provence, and stony earth. It has dark mineral notes on the palate, with real intensity, refreshing, mouthwatering mineral persistence, and a long finish. It seems like it’s going to be a cuddly wine, but it’s savory and structured on the palate. Drink 2025-2037.

Jeb Dunnuck: 94

Usually a delicate expression for Eyrie, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sisters Vineyard is over the top out of the gate. The palest red ruby shade, its perfume is floral and highly expressive, with notes of fresh flowers, wild strawberries, Herbes de Provence, and stony earth. It has dark mineral notes on the palate, with real intensity, refreshing, mouthwatering mineral persistence, and a long finish. It seems like it’s going to be a cuddly wine, but it’s savory and structured on the palate. Drink 2025-2037.