Organic + Biodynamic Wine & Spirits

The 2023 Outcrop Vineyard Pinot Noir is a beautifully focused and distinctive expression of the Dundee Hills, combining bright red fruit, savory complexity and the stony mineral character that defines this unique Eyrie estate vineyard.

Outcrop Vineyard takes its name from the ridge of underlying rock that runs perpendicular to the hillside. Situated above Eyrie’s historic original vineyard, the five-acre site ranges from approximately 280 to 360 feet in elevation and faces north-northeast. The vineyard is planted to the Wädenswil clone of Pinot Noir, with vines dating from the early 1980s through 2000. Despite its northern exposure, reflected warmth from the neighboring original Eyrie vineyard helps ripen the fruit while preserving freshness and aromatic detail.

Eyrie farms its estate vineyards organically and practices regenerative, no-till viticulture, with particular attention to soil health and biodiversity. The vineyard’s thin, rocky volcanic soils contribute to the distinctive mineral and savory personality of Outcrop Pinot Noir.

For the 2023 vintage, Eyrie’s single-vineyard Pinot Noirs were vinified using native yeast in small open-top fermenters, with hand punch-downs and native malolactic fermentation, followed by approximately 14 months of aging. The single-vineyard wines are deliberately produced using the same cellar approach so that differences in vineyard, elevation, exposure and vine age remain clearly expressed in the finished wines.

The 2023 Outcrop is notably precise and mineral-driven, opening with raspberries and pomegranate alongside blood orange and subtle red licorice. A distinctive stony, almost steely mineral quality runs through the wine, while tea-like tannins add savory structure and grip. Elegant in weight yet firmly structured, it balances vivid fruit with earthy complexity and a long, textured finish.

Expert Rating

95 Points — Paul Gregutt Gregutt highlights the wine’s rocky, mineral character, raspberry and pomegranate fruit, blood orange and red licorice, with substantial tea-toned tannins supporting the finish. Only 198 cases were produced.

An expressive, site-driven Oregon Pinot Noir that beautifully demonstrates Eyrie’s restrained winemaking philosophy and the individual personality of one of its historic Dundee Hills vineyards.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Outcrop Vineyard
Clone: Wädenswil
Elevation: Approximately 280–360 feet
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Fermentation: Native Yeast
Aging: Approximately 14 Months
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 198 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

The 2023 Roland Green Vineyard Pinot Noir is a distinctive single-vineyard expression from The Eyrie Vineyards, combining the elegance and freshness associated with the Dundee Hills with a darker, more fruit-forward personality. Brambly blackberry fruit, savory undertones and firm, textured tannins give this limited-production Pinot Noir both immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development in bottle.

Named in honor of Roland Green Lett, the vineyard was first planted in 1988 to Pommard and Wädenswil Pinot Noir clones. The site rises from approximately 540 to 720 feet elevation and enjoys a direct southern exposure. Eyrie describes Roland Green as a site capable of producing Pinot Noir with exceptional texture, depth and finesse. More recent plantings, including vines established in 2016, complement the mature blocks and add an especially bright, fresh fruit character to the wine.

Like Eyrie’s other estate vineyards, Roland Green is certified organic and farmed according to regenerative, no-till principles. The winery focuses on maintaining healthy soil ecosystems and naturally balanced vines rather than relying on intensive intervention. The elevated, south-facing site and volcanic Dundee Hills soils contribute both ripeness and structural definition to the finished wine.

Eyrie’s single-vineyard Pinot Noirs are deliberately handled with a restrained cellar approach so that differences in vineyard site remain clearly visible. Native yeast fermentation, small fermentation vessels and extended élevage are central to the program, emphasizing texture, freshness and the individual character of each vineyard rather than overt winemaking influence.

The 2023 Roland Green is particularly expressive and fruit-driven, with brambly blackberry taking center stage. Compared with some of Eyrie’s more reserved vineyard selections, this vintage is somewhat more forward and immediately generous, while retaining the structure and savory character associated with the site. Dusty, textured tannins frame the dark fruit and provide a firm finish that should become increasingly integrated with additional bottle age.

Expert Rating

95 Points — Paul Gregutt

Gregutt highlights the influence of Roland Green’s younger vines, noting their bright, fresh fruit character. He describes the 2023 as more fruit-forward than some of Eyrie’s other vineyard selections, centered on brambly blackberry fruit with textured, dusty tannins that should soften further with time in bottle. Only 193 cases were produced.

With its combination of ripe dark fruit, freshness, firm structure and Dundee Hills elegance, the 2023 Roland Green Vineyard offers a particularly compelling expression of Eyrie’s vineyard-focused approach to Pinot Noir.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Roland Green Vineyard
Clones: Pommard & Wädenswil
Elevation: Approximately 540–720 feet
Exposure: South-facing
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 193 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml