Beaux Freres 2018 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 2018 is another outstanding wine.

Wine Spectator scored this 95 points saying “A wine of presence and expression, impeccably structured yet elegantly layered, with evocative raspberry, rose petal and brown baking spice notes that pick up richness and tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.”

The Wine Advocate scored this 94+ saying “The medium ruby-purple colored 2018 Pinot Noir from the Beaux Frères Vineyard opens to lush rhubarb, cranberries and loamy earth with layers of blood orange, tea leaves, charcuterie and flowers. The medium-bodied palate offers broody, concentrated fruits with fine earth and spice accents, with a seamless, silky frame and lifted finish.”