EIEIO PINOT NOIR
June 3, 2009 by PWM
2007 EIEIO PINOT NOIR, BINGO CUVEE...$22.95
This wine truly is a little bit of everything. Primarily consisting of Chehalem Mountain fruit which consists of three different soil types; basaltic, ocean sedimentary, and loess (blown lake sediment), this wine has a wide range of flavors. Beginning with bright spice notes, blue fruit and intense blackberry jam, intriguing undertones of charred black-pepper-rubbed filet mignon emerge with time. Aromatics carry through to flavors of wild Maine blueberries, blackberries with astringent seeds, sweet black cherry, and fresh mushrooms. With food and air, the wine reveals more familiar cherry notes, raspberry and mocha. It is smooth on the palate with a reasonable tannic structure underneath. The Pinot noir for everyday enjoyable drinking.
2006 EIEIO PINOT NOIR, CUVEE I....$39.95
Color is clear and deep and I swear it sparkles. Delicate and dusty aromatics give the impression that the wine will be restrained, but flavors indicate otherwise. Initially intense black and red cherry intertwine with cinnamon sugar covered graham crackers. Explosions of stone fruits hit the mid-palate and add another layer of more earthy flavors ranging from wet concrete to freshly turned soil. The finish has a density showing fresh pipe tobacco, wild raspberry and blueberry compote around a core of dried cherries. While initially the wine is deep and brooding, the lively acidity is balanced against structured tannins and results in a seemingly never ending finish.
2006 EIEIO PINOT NOIR, BLACKBURN...$43.95
Earthy mushroom aromatics with hints of spruce evolve into blackberry jam, cinnamon and nutmeg. A dense weave of black peppercorns, fresh tobacco, wild raspberry and blueberry compote and vanilla intertwine around an intense core of dried cherries. While initially the wine is deep and brooding, the lively acidity is balanced against structured tannins and results in good length of finish. One of the most interesting observations is how consistent this wine is;flavors that were apparent at time of harvest through fermentation and aging are similar to that in the bottle. A cellar worthy wine which will reward the patient.
2006 EIEIO PINOT NOIR, WIND HILL...$39.95
Although not citing vineyard designation until 2003, EIEIO & Company has produced wine from this site for the past five vintages. Elegant and distinctly feminine the wine displays lovely lavender and fresh cherry blossoms. Beautifully balanced aromatically and texturally this is a classic Pinot Noir.
2006 EIEIO PINOT NOIR, STERMER...$39.95
A beautiful garnet with Old School aromatics of earthy crushed dried grapevines and mushroom coupled with raspberry, blackberry and black cherries. Hints of fresh pipe tobacco, espresso, clove, vanilla and dark chocolate carry through to the flavors. In the mouth, candied cherries and dried red currants evolve into hot apple pie a la mode. This wine is wonderfully balanced with great structure, enticing texture and tannins, and a long polished finish. Acidity levels are lower than other EIEIO wines making Stermer lush and agreeable in its youth.
2005 EIEIO PINOT NOIR, CANARY....$62.95
Dark color, aromatics, and flavors. More viscous, more brooding, more aromatically complex than the other 2004s with smells of dark fruit and flowers followed by licorice and violets. On the palate, blackberries and sweet cherries with hints of vanilla bean. Velvet-like texture with a nice balance between the fruit, acidity and tannins. Unbelievable wine to date and one that will only get better with age.
EIEIO PINOT NOIR, MEREDITH MITCHELL...$62.95
The intense and structured 2005 Meredith Mitchell results from the tiny Pommard clusters and berries and naturally higher acidity of the site. This wine usually requires a bit more cellar time to reach its full potential, but even in its youth displays an intense nose of blackberries and cherries laced with spice, black pepper, and hints of anise. Black cherry jam, juicy Asian Pears and brambleberry with a zingy acidity add a subtle complexity. The finish with hints of spectacular, sweet almond oil creates intense waves of salivation!