Beaux Freres 2017 Pinot Noir, Beaux Freres Vyd., Ribbon Ridge

Perhaps the most collectible Pinot Noir in America, Beaux Freres has set a standard that few can match. While on vacation in 1986, Michael Etzel came upon an 88-acre farm for sale located on Ribbon Ridge in the Northern Willamette Valley. After some deliberation, Michael purchased the farm with his brother-in-law, world famous wine critic, Robert Parker, Jr. Michael began his focused pursuit by planting only Pinot Noir and slowly transforming the old farm into his jewel. While planting his own vineyard, Michael worked four harvests at Ponzi Winery. In 1990, Michael harvested his first crop and sold the grapes, except enough to make one barrel, to winemakers Ken Wright and Dick Ponzi. In 1991, a renovation of one of the barns led to the creation of Beaux Frères Winery and the beginning of a cult classic. Beaux Freres just celebrated their 25th vintage in 2015. This 2017 is another outstanding wine.

The Wine Advocate scored it 92+ saying "The medium ruby colored 2017 Pinot Noir The Beaux Frères Vineyard opens with aromas of cinnamon stick, citrus peel, desiccated roses, warm earth and dried leaves over a core of fresh cranberries, red currants and blackberries with hints of amaro and crushed raspberries. It’s medium-bodied with slowly blossoming fruits, gaining amplitude with those nuances of earth, spice and amaro, finely framed and wonderfully fresh with a long, nuanced finish. Give this another couple of years in bottle."


Wine Spectator scored it 95 points saying "Combines structure with verve, offering richly expressive raspberry, violet and orange peel flavors that take on polish and complexity toward well buffed tannins. Drink now through 2028."


James Suckling scored it 96 points saying "There’s a real sense of depth and detail here with fresh cherries and blueberries, swathed in vanilla-dusted violets, fresh-cut roasting herbs and biscuit spices. The palate has a very plush and smoothly rendered feel with a long, smooth and seamless run of ripe blueberries and cherries. Concentrated and elegant pinot with a long, long finish. Drink across the next decade."