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| Erath |
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| Erath...Dick Erath. One of the original pioneers in Oregon winemaking, Dick Erath established his eponymous winery with the 1972 vintage. He planted on Chehalem Mountain which to this day remains one of the premier Pinot Noir growing areas in Oregon. He established a business relationship with Cal Knudsen who had acreage in the Dundee Hills. In 1975 after planting vineyards for his new business partner, the winery became Knudsen-Erath. After about a dozen years together Dick bought out Cal's interests and in 1993 the winery once again became known as Erath. The winery and tasting room is nestled in the Dundee Hills. The vineyard just below Erath is the original Knudsen-Erath Vineyard which Argyle (of which Cal is a partner) now sources grapes from. Erath, besides their estate vineyards source grapes from a great selection of Dundee Hills vineyards including Juliard, Battle Creek, Fuqua, Lillie's Vineyard, Knight's Gambit and others. Current winemaker Gary Horner arrived in 2003. He has since put his personal touch on their wines. Chateau Ste Michelle's 2006 acquisition of the winery and Dick Erath's continued participation contribute to Erath's future success. They have been hitting on all cylinders with their recent offerings. Most seen on market shelves are the Willamette Valley and Estate Pinot Noir. Look though to the single vineyard Prince Hill, Leland and the most recent standout Battle Creek for truly memorable Pinot Noir. You'll find these available at finer restaurants, wine shops (and of course from us). Here are some critics scores for current releases: 2006 Erath Pinot Noir - Oregon $19 86 Points Wine Spectator 2006 Erath Pinot Noir - Estate Selection $32 91 Points Wine Spectator 2006 Erath Pinot Noir - Battle Creek $45 91 Points Wine Spectator 2006 Erath Pinot Noir - Prince Hill $50 91 Points Wine Spectator 2006 Erath Pinot Noir - Prince Leland $45 91 Points Wine Enthusiast 2006 Erath Pinot Gris - Oregon $14 88 Points Wine Spectator 2006 Erath Pinot Blanc - Willamette Valley $14 88 Points Wine Spectator While we were there we sampled their excellent Dolcetto and also the Melrose Rose of Pinot Gris. These are winery release only and well worth a look should you visit. We also were treated to a tasting of a few previous vintages. The tasting room is comfortable and the staff is knowledgeable. Our host was Allison Stoller (Yes...from the Stoller wine family). We encourage you to visit the link on this page to find out more about this fabulous winery and the people responsible for these great wines. Northwest Wine Fan has very limited quantities of these and other Erath wines available for purchase. Inquire by email or by telephone. |
| Erath 9409 NE Worden Hill Road Dundee, OR 97115 800-539-9463 Tasting Room Hours 11:00 - 5:00 Daily Closed most major holidays Winemaker: Gary Horner |
| The Erath Links: |
| Talk to the Cellarmaster: |
| Name: |
| Tim Sinniger |
| Email: |
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| Text and photo copyright Northwest Wine Fan 2008 |
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