Belle Pente Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2021 ($32)

This was my first encounter with Belle Pente and I am looking forward to exploring its other wines. Brian and Jill O’Donnell established their 18-acre vineyard in 1994 and two years later opened their gravity fed winery. All their vineyards today are farmed organically and by biodynamic practices. Pinot Noir heads their roster of wines, and this Yamhill-Carlton bottling is viewed as their signature wine. While the color is typical, the aroma is full of ripe berries, mostly raspberries with some background cherry. Smooth and ultra silky in mouthfeel, it shows bright and lively flavors of berries and cinnamon, culminating in a pleasing velvety finish. Enjoyable now but will reward cellaring.
93 Norm Roby