“I’m making Pinot Noir for people who appreciate traditionally made Pinot Noirs.—Peter Sturn

Whenever I think of Pinot Noir in the United States, the Willamette Valley in Oregon is top of mind. Its cool and often maritime-influenced climate provides the temperature moderation necessary for the slow, even ripening of Pinot Noir grapes. And, with its diverse range of microclimates, distinctive soils, and an unwavering passion for Pinot Noir, Oregon stands out as a prime location for crafting world-class Pinot Noir.

Eila Wines, is a newcomer to the vibrant Oregon wine landscape, and I recently introduced to their wines.

About Eila Wines

Peter Sturn, the owner and winemaker behind Eila Wines, recently celebrated his inaugural vintage with the 2021 release. Peter’s journey into the world of fine wine was ignited during his extensive time living in Europe as finance professional.

“Once I developed an interest in wine, I dove into it. I spent time looking at different wines from different areas of the world. Eventually it all narrowed down to the varietals of Burgundy, but it took years for me to get to that point. I had a lot of fantastic wines along the way” explains Sturn

Upon his return to the U.S., he felt a magnetic pull toward winemaking, eventually leading him to settle in Oregon.

At Eila Wines, Peter’s passion is evident in his meticulous approach to crafting elegant Pinot Noirs sourced from cooler, high-altitude vineyard sites. His winemaking philosophy revolves around the inclusion of stems, which imparts structure and complexity to the wines. Peter’s commitment to preserving freshness and maintaining lower alcohol levels is a testament to his dedication to producing exceptional, terroir-driven Pinot Noir

In My Glass

Disclosure: Wines were provided as a media samples. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine.

• 2021 Eila Wines Chardonnay 
  Fruit sourced from Von Oehsen Vineyard in the Eola-Amity AVA (400-500’ elevation), from a section planted with CH95 clone. Harvested 6 September 2021. Crushed then pressed, fermented in 228l and 500l barrels. Stored on lees with minimal battonage. 42% new oak from a Damy puncheon. Sustainability certifications are pending.
  
  Brilliant lemon yellow color with subtle lemon pith, lemon, almond pastry,flint and a hint of white blossom aromas. On the palate, it’s elegant and approaches medium-bodied with mouth-watering zesty acidity, and lemon zest, yellow apple, quince and subtle Asian pear flavors. Long finish. 12.7% abv.|SRP – $65|(91 pts.)
• 2021 Eila Wines Pinot Noir Indigo 
  Sourced from Witness Tree Vineyard in the Eola-Amity AVA (from a Pommard clone block at 500’ elevation).Fermented using 38% whole cluster. Aged in 40% new oak oak (Quintessence and Taransaud barrels). Organically farmed.
  
  Medium-ruby color with enticing blueberry, red plum damp earth, black tea, dried herb and baking spice aromas. On the palate, it’s medium bodied with lively acidity and silky tannins, with blueberry, boysenberry, red plum, pomegranate, and nuanced spice and dried herb flavors that add to its complexity and give it a very appealing savory character. Long finish. 13.1% abv| SRP – $65|(92 pts.)
• 2021 Eila Wines Pinot Noir Violet 
  Sourced from Le Cadeau vineyard (600-700’ elevation) in the Chehalem Mountains AVA from blocks planted with 777, 667, Pommard, 115 and Mariafeld clones.Fermented using 27% whole cluster. Aged with 25% new oak (Taransaud and Francois Freres barrels) LIVE and Salmon Safe certified.
  
  Barely translucent ruby color with cherry, strawberry, rosehips, subtle clove aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with lively, tart acidity and supple tannins with red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and baking spice flavors accented with a kiss of dried herb savoriness. Medium-long finish 12.7% abv|SRP – $65|(90 pts.)
• 2021 Eila Wines Pinot Noir Scarlet 
  Sourced from Prophet Vineyard in Eola-Amity AVA (440-600’ elevation). Harvested 22 September 2021 from sections planted with Pommard and Coury clones. Fermented using 25% whole cluster. Aged with 20% new oak (Mercurey barrel). LIVE and Salmon Safe certified; Sustainably farmed.
  
  Barely translucent ruby with black cherry, red cherry, blackberry, Chinese five spice, vanilla,cacao and sandalwood aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and fresh with silky tannins and black cherry, blackberry, red cherry, Five spice and a hint of mulberry flavors. Long finish. 13.6% abv|SRP – $65|(91 pts.)

These wines make a noteworthy addition to the canon of outstanding terroir-driven, sustainably cultivated Oregon Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay!