Beaux Freres 2017 Pinot Noir Belle Soeurs Cuvee, Willamette Valley

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.

After a 12-year pause, this renaissance of the Belles Soeurs label shows the seamless elegance and finesse it always showcased, and is now solely compiled from the family’s three vineyards (Beaux Frères, Upper Terrace, and Sequitur). A worthy tribute to their little pocket of the Ribbon Ridge viticultural area, it is a bright, lively wine balancing red and blue fruits, genteel minerality, and beautifully high-spirited character at every turn; an altogether triumphant return for their long lost companion cuvée.

James Suckling scored this 95 points saying "The has an attractively smooth and supple style to it with bright strawberries and fresh red cherries, framed in flowers and fresh leaves. The palate is very smoothly delivered, amid silky, plush and attractively fine-cut tannins that carry freshness and depth into an elegant yet long finish. A triumphant return after a 12 year hiatus, this is sourced from Beaux Frères, Upper Terrace and Sequitur vineyards). Drink across the next decade."


Wine Spectator scored this 94 points saying "Impeccably polished and structured, with gracefully expressive cherry and blueberry flavors, laced with black tea, spice and orange peel notes, taking on richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2027." Extremely Limited!!!