Benmar Pinot Noir ‘Above the Clouds’
WHY WE LOVE IT
- A Willamette Valley Pinot Noir sourced from cool-climate vineyards across four of the region’s most celebrated AVAs: Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, Chehalem Mountains, and Yamhill-Carlton.
- Blended to layer the distinct character and diversity of each appellation into a single wine, adding a complexity beyond what any one AVA could offer on its own.
- Made to highlight bright fruit flavors while keeping a clean, approachable, and food-friendly structure.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: The grapes were carefully destemmed and underwent a gentle cold soak to extract color and aroma, then fermented in small, temperature-controlled tanks to preserve the fruit’s character. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak barrels for 15 months, developing additional complexity and texture.
Tasting Notes: Bright cherry and raspberry notes from the Dundee Hills mingle with darker plum and subtle savory hints from the Eola-Amity Hills. A touch of violet and fresh earth from the Chehalem Mountains adds aromatic complexity, while a grounding note of dark berry and a hint of spice from Yamhill-Carlton provides depth. On the palate, a harmonious balance of vibrant red and darker fruit is framed by silky yet present tannins and lively acidity, leading to a nuanced finish with echoes of minerality and lingering spice.
PRESS
2024 – 93 Wine Enthusiast | 93 Decanter
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Greg Bybee has over fourteen years of experience in the wine industry, focusing on the Pacific Northwest. He discovered his passion for wine in 2008 while working at Rochioli Vineyards, where he learned to craft Pinot Noir.
As a founding member and curator for Vivino, he gained insights into what wine lovers seek from Oregon wines, which inspired his winemaking journey.
He named his venture “Benmar” after his children, Benben and Marecca, and his wife, Jen, whose photography appears on the labels. Together, they introduced Benmar wines to the world.