Quirky is how I think of Eric Eide of Aberrant Cellars, in the best possible way. When in rock n’roll radio, I had my own set of stars. Today’s stars are just as talented, but in the world of wine. Both music and wine need to be in a perfect balance of art and science to be fully appreciated. I photographed rockers, now I’m chronicling winemakers. That’s a balance, too, for telling a story literally and figuratively with text and images.

So here we are: Enter Eric Eide

Eric Eide contacted us, because he’s a one man band and the load was really getting to him. We became a small team, and have been that way ever since. We first met Eric over the phone; I had never heard his last name pronounced. So, I had to ask… It’s pronounced like “I.D.” Well, that was simple enough, and perhaps the only thing simple about Eric. His mind pours out ideas at a rapid pace, the way you invert a bottle of wine and just let ‘er go.

What I Love About Eric

There’s always something that hooks me, with each new client, almost immediately. And it stays throughout the process of a vintner/client relationship. Eric’s background was in selling wine for years, so was mine, once. – Bond – We talked, established our strengths. (My weakness is being chatty, but that didn’t get in the way. It’s a good test. If you can’t take it in a meeting, let’s all just move on.) And, then, I began to read his Website.

What? Someone Actually Loves Latin?

Mythology, I love mythology. I read The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy each spring for three consecutive years in my 20s. Yeah, bring it on! Latin examples below:

• Confero Pinot Noir
  • Confero {to bring together} is, and will always be, the practice of bringing distinct vineyards and clones of Pinot Noir together from differing sub-regions within the Willamette valley.
• Amplus Pinot Noir
  • Amplus {Extensive, Imposing} Within the Willamette valley there are six sub-appellations which were created starting in 2004.
• Virtus ex Pinot Noir
  • Virtus ex {Strength/Virtue of…} Each of these “sub-apps” (above statement) are distinguished from one-another by differing climatic conditions, soil types, and geographical/topographical influences.
• Carpe Noctem
  • Carpe Noctem: {Seize the Night} There are some activities which simply seem better suited for when darkness falls and our animal spirits are once again awakened from daytime temperance…in addition to those[!], savoring this provocative wine should be placed toward the top of the list.

Eric’s thoughts are always intriguing and refreshing

Overall Winemaking Philosophy ~ My goal is to create wines with balance, showcasing an element of restraint; I strive for an old-world style of wine. I’m not attempting to push boundaries with the up-front personalities of the wines. I aim for my wines to be elegant and powerful in the same breath.

His mentors and heroes

ERIC EIDE: A defining moment came in January 2008, while traveling through France, on an annual pilgrimage with my employer. At the time, we were visiting and tasting new releases, for the wineries that we represented. More specifically, it was while listening to Messrs. Claude Dugat and neighboring vigneron Christian Serafin. These two heralded Gevrey-Chambertin producers, for whom I have immense respect and admiration, talked candidly about the challenges each faced, with the newly released 2006 vintage.

In 2008, Eric took a fork in the road

There will be a lot more about Eric on my blog. I’m continually reminded that this blog is my journal from being a wine publicist. I try not to completely focus on clients, because it would be too limiting. Still, the insider’s view that I have is fun to share as “newsy.” this business of wine is never boring. What a gift to have found my passion of wine and writing. The cast of characters is endless, ass is the talent of each level of production.

In 2011, Eric began to list his report card reviews

93 POINTS ~ THE WINE ADVOCATE ~ Issue #209

2011 VIRTUS EX ~ Pinot Noir

Ripe but invigoratingly tart – edged blackberry & purple plum are garlanded in bittersweet perfumed iris & gentian, while mingled with peat, humus and sauvage (wild) notes. A striking combination of textural richness with infectious juiciness, culminating into a lingering finish that is downright intriguing; in what is typical Aberrant Cellars fashion. Drink through 2020.

Yeah, you can see the fun with this one, if you’re in the wine business.