Beaux Frères Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Tasting notes and characteristics of the Beaux Frères Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Tasting

Appearance
A clear and bright robe, ranging from light to medium ruby, adorned with slightly diaphanous reflections at the rim of the glass.

Nose
Remarkably pure, the bouquet reveals intense aromas of summer strawberries and Bing cherries, delicately underscored by notes of powdered rose petals and a subtle hint of fresh tobacco.

Palate
The attack is bright, fresh and full of energy, carried by a strikingly assertive fruity character. The texture proves particularly elegant, smooth and velvety, leading to a long and truly memorable finish.

Food and wine pairing
This wine will pair beautifully with roasted white meats, such as poultry or veal served with mushrooms, as well as duck enhanced by a red fruit sauce. It will also brilliantly accompany meaty fish such as grilled salmon, vegetarian dishes featuring root vegetables, or soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert.

Serving and cellaring
To fully appreciate this wine, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 14 and 16°C. Decanting for thirty to forty-five minutes prior to tasting will allow its aromatic complexity to fully unfold. This vintage offers excellent potential and can be cellared for drinking until approximately 2033.

The elegance of an American Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley by The Beaux Frères Vineyard

The estate
Founded in 1986 by Michael G. Etzel and his brother-in-law, the renowned critic Robert Parker, The Beaux Frères Vineyard is an iconic estate located in Oregon. Born from the acquisition of a former pig farm, this property has established itself as a true benchmark for lovers of fine wines. Today, the estate is co-owned by its founder and the Artémis Domaines group, while general and technical management is overseen by Mike D. Etzel. Renowned for its minimalist approach and biodynamic inspiration, the estate produces cuvées of remarkable purity, faithfully reflecting the unique identity of its terroir.

The vineyard
Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, more precisely on the crest of Ribbon Ridge, this terroir stands out for its marine sedimentary soils, both dense and shallow. The vines, cultivated according to the estate's strict standards, benefit from high planting density that fosters beneficial root competition. For this cuvée, the grapes come mainly from the estate's own parcels, complemented by fruit from neighbouring partner vineyards cultivated under long-term contracts.

The vintage
The 2023 vintage is characterised by early ripening of the berries, fostering a particularly vibrant profile. The harvest took place early in the season, between 7 and 22 September, benefiting from consistent weather conditions while preserving the freshness typical of the region.

Winemaking and ageing
Designed as a "village"-style blend, this wine is crafted with minimal oenological intervention. Fermentations are carried out naturally using indigenous yeasts and last from twelve to eighteen days. The wine is aged on lees for ten months in French oak barrels, of which only 20% are new, in order to preserve the brightness of the fruit.

Grape variety
100% Pinot Noir.