Vintage: 2017

Wine Name/Vineyard: Hyland Estates

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml 

Region: Willamette Valley

State or country: Oregon

Price: $110

ABV: 13.5% 

Cases produced: N/A 

The Barrel Cellar Score:  90 points 

Review date: March 31, 2022

About the Winemaker: Hyland Vinyard was planted in 1971. “Founders Selection” is Hyland’s Prestige bottling.  The finest grapes from the finest lots are chosen annually for this offering.  Each bottling like each season is different,  but the intent is for the wine to be a showcase of the best of the vineyard each year.

Color:  Ruby with a Rose Gold Rim

Nose:  Red berries and oak

Taste: Vanilla, oak, toasted baguette, earth.  Vanilla and a hint of black pepper on the finish.

Assessment:  Hyland Estates, is one of my favorite wineries in the Willamette AVA.  Founder’s Selection Pinot Noir is the essence of everything I like about Hyland Estates.  It’s a light body, Hyland Estates French inspired Pinot Noir that is packed with Character.  I fear I sound like a bit of a broken record with Hyland,  This wine is silky smooth, reserved, and well balanced.  The flavor notes of toasted baguette (something I’d more commonly recognize in a Champaign) was a nice surprise on this one,  It added a dimension that plays well against the soft acidity in the glass.

The wine is well deserving of the “Prestige” label it is given. The price is warranted given the small lots of grapes it is selected from. the 2017 is ready to drink now but will age well for another couple of years.

Get $100 off your first 12 bottle case + Delivery Included!

Buy fantastic wines at wholesale prices!

Pairing recommendation:  Gouda, grilled Lamb chops, or rabbit ragout.

The Barrel Cellar gives Hyland Estates’ 2017 “Founder’s Selection” 93points.