North America | Oregon | Belle Pente | Pinot Noir Estate

Pinot Noir Estate

VARIETAL
Pinot Noir

NOTES
VINEYARD: Belle Pente Estate vineyard. Since it's first release in 1997, Belle Pente's Estate Reserve Pinot Noir has always represented "the best of the best" that can be coaxed out of the Belle Pente estate vineyard each year. It is a selection of outstanding individual barrels, with the core components coming from the original 1994 planting next to the winery and the steep section just above it planted in 1998. In this 2015 version, 2/3 of the blend comes from these two blocks, with the balance from 2 other blocks further up the hill. As always, the Wadensvil selection is dominant in this cuvee, coming from a steep 2 acre south-west facing block. Due to its pitch and orientation, this block has very thin soil (only 18 inches deep) that yields small grapes with very concentrated flavors and aromas. Dijon 777 and 115 from the original 1994 block provide complimentary complexity with a broad range of herbal and floral aromatics. And small percentages of Dijon 114 and Pommard (fermented with some whole cluster) provide a little lift and freshness.

VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested September 13th-15th, average 25 Brix, 3.5pH, yield 3.4 tons per acre, 94% de-stemmed, 6-8 day cold maceration (38-44F). Fermented with vineyard indigenous yeasts (modified pied d’cuve method). Maximum temperature reached during fermentation 93F. 1.25 & 2.5 ton fermenters, punched down by hand twice per day. Average total cuvaison 21days. Free run wine only (directly to barrel). 50% New French Oak (Remond, Sirugue, Francois Freres), 42% 1-2 years old, 8% 3-5 years old. 18 month elevage with one racking prior to assemblage. Gravity bottled June 6th, 2017 (unfined and unfiltered).

TASTING NOTES: 2015 was almost as warm as 2014, but with much cooler nights. This preserved more natural acidity in the wines, so they are big and rich but also light on their feet. This version of the Estate Reserve is impeccably balanced, hitting the trifecta of ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and silky tannins. Although the intention for this wine is always 10 years in the cellar, it is a delight to drink today.
275 cases produced

PRESS/RATINGS: Deep, bright-rimmed red. A highly complex bouquet evokes red berry preserve and cherry aromas, along with sexy Asian spice, rose oil and smoky mineral accents. Shows impressive delineation on the palate, offering concentrated, spice-tinged red fruit liqueur, cola and spicecake flavors that pick up a strong floral pastille nuance with air. Finishes extremely long and pure, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip to lingering raspberry and bitter chocolate notes. -- Josh Raynolds 95 (VINOUS, 6.13.2019)