Beaux Frères Pinot Noir The Upper Terrace

WHY WE LOVE IT

• The Upper Terrace Vineyard is planted on a steep South facing slope to Pinot Noir Dijon clones 113, 114, 115, 667, and 777 on three different rootstocks.
• The site has sedimentary soils and a slightly higher elevation than the Beaux Frères Vineyard.

Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

Elaboration: Fermentation is allowed to occur spontaneously, relying on “wild” indigenous yeast, and tended to the old-fashioned way with punch downs and pump overs by hand throughout the day (and night). The tanks are emptied into the press and the new wine is then moved into French oak barrels. The proportion of new barrels vs. neutral ones varies according to the strength and concentration of the vintage, usually about 30 to 50%.  Secondary fermentation occurs naturally at a rather relaxed pace by comparison with the ‘norm’ in their very cool barrel cellar. Once in barrel exposure to oxygen is intentionally reduced. Beaux Freres does not practice the typical racking process of transferring a wine from barrel to barrel to aerate. The only racking occurs after 10- to 12-months, when they rack into a settling tank before bottling. This is the only time the wine is exposed to air, and even then, it is minimal in order to protect the aromatics. Aging on lees in their cold cellar, and the fact that there is no movement of the wine (racking) until bottling, results in a buildup of CO2 – a by-product of the secondary/malolactic fermentation. This serves as a natural preservative and Beaux Freres to use far less sulphur than most wine producers.

Tasting Notes: Deeper ruby than the Beaux Frères Vineyard. A bit darker and more complex, this wine offers a plethora of Indian spices, black cherries, black currants, forest floor and a wisp of sweet wood smoke. Structured and richly tannic, it expands gracefully over the palate.

PRESS

2016 – 96 Vinous | 96 Wine Spectator

2017 – 93+ Wine Advocate | 94-95 Vinous | 96 Wine Spectator (#35 Top 100 of 2019)

2018 – 94 Wine Spectator | 96 Vinous

2019 – 94 Wine Spectator

PRODUCER BACKGROUND