Hyland Pinot Noir
Hyland Vineyard Pinot Noir
The Wine
Hyland vineyard is one of the Willamette Valley's historic vineyards, originally planted in the early 1970s with clonal selections of Riesling and Pinot noir that were suit-cased back from Alsace. These vines are now referred to as "Coury" selections‒named for Charles Coury who did the massale selection. Our blocks of Dijon 115 and Coury Pinot noir were both planted (ungrafted) in 1989 in old Coast Range basalt (volcanic) soil. The deeply-rooted vines have thus far resisted phylloxera and instead show signs of health and longevity. The vineyard is farmed organically and without irrigation. Hyland is advantageously situated both in the foothills of the Coast Range mountains and within the van duzer gap, the "air-conditioning" pathway through the Coast Range where marine air enters from the west and cools the Willamette Valley. Persistent wind spills over this neighborhood, moderating temperatures and allowing for patient ripening and retention of fresh acidity. I find there is always a distinct textural elegance, freshness and length to this wine, coupled with wonderfully lifted and complex aromatics, that delights me year after year.
Press
96 - Decanter: "From one of the oldest vineyards in the Willamette Valley, this Pinot Noir comes from own-rooted blocks planted in both 1988 and 89. Winemaker Evan Martin described Hyland's signature as having a ‘noble reduction’ and not much skin tannin. This Pinot Noir offers complexity without power. It's a playful dance of aromas, including blueberries, macerated plums, and a sprinkle of mulling spices, smoked cinnamon and an orange peel twist, all wrapped up with rose petal flourishes. Off the bat, it shows the silken texture that's possible with the own-rooted Pinot Noirs in the Willamette Valley. The palate offers a mix of blue fruits, spicy red berries, and mouthfuls of smoky violet tones. It's a captivating wine at such a young age. On the palate, it’s a savoury delight, showing off beautiful minerality, well-balanced acidity, and just the right touch of astringency due to the well-thought 17 months on lees. Simply elegant, I guess that's what they call a classic."
96 - Jeb Dunnuck: "Medium ruby and very transparent but very pretty, the 2022 Pinot Noir Hyland Vineyard is more savory and herbal, with a sappy note that floats in as well as tomato leaf, loess, wild red berries, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, finessed, and refined, with an even feel of freshness, it has perfect balance."
Our Tasting Notes:
Delicate red fruits, forest floor, mulling spice—fresh acidity married to silken tannins—lithe, elegant, resonant finish
Paired Album
This album is undoubtedly one of our favorite albums to cook to at the winery, and we cook a lot. Just like the Hyland Pinot Noir, it hits the spot, every time. An instant classic you can always count on. Surprise Chef - All News Is Good News, 2020
