Beaux Frères Pinot Noir Belles Soeurs

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Belles Soeurs is a hand-selected barrel reserve cuvee from their three estate vineyards, Beaux Frères(44%), Upper Terrace (40%), and Sequitur (16%). All 3 vineyard sites are located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA.
  • First launched in 1996 as a companion label to the Beaux Frères Vineyard, the Belles Sœurs would eventually evolve into the original format for their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
  • After a 12-year pause, the wine is being re-released with the 2017 vintage, a growing season that was characterized by an abundance of pristine fruit.

Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

Elaboration: Primary fermentation in small vats for 18 to 20 days, with some of this fruit being fermented using whole clusters. The wine then matures for 11 months in French oak barrels, 38% new.

Tasting Notes: Bright, lively wine balancing red and blue fruits, genteel minerality, and beautifully high-spirited character at every turn

PRESS

2017 – 91-92 Vinous | 94 Wine Spectator | 95 James Suckling

2018 – 93 Wine Advocate | 94 Wine Spectator | 94 Vinous | 96 James Suckling

2019 – 94 James Suckling | 94 Wine Spectator | 95 Jeb Dunnuck

2021 – 94 Wine Spectator

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

Founded in 1986 by “Beaux Frères” (i.e. brothers-in-law) Michael G. Etzel and wine critic Robert M. Parker, the Beaux Frères winery is located on an 88-acre farm in the most prestigious terroirs of Willamette Valley. Using biodynamic and organic practices, as well as non-manipulative, uncompromising methods Beaux Frères crafts the most natural and authentic wines. The Henriot Family acquired the Beaux Frères winery in April of 2017.