Belle Pente (pronounced "bell pont", meaning "beautiful slope") makes several wines from vineyards throughout Oregon's Willamette Valley. I've had the pleasure of tasting 3 of them: 2007 Pinot Noir (Willamette), 2007 Pinot Gris, and 2006 "Belle Pente Vineyard" Pinot Noir.
The 2007 Pinot Noir is unfined and unfiltered and lighter in style for a typical pinot noir with bright garnet colors radiating through the cloudiness. Strong earthy aromas dominate upfront but as the wine opens, red fruit aromas emerge with a subtle spiciness across the nose. Great flavor.
The 2007 Pinot Gris comes from Yamhill County and undergoes long, cool fermentation in stainless steel, with an extended sur lie and exposure to neutral oak. Nice flavor.
The 2006 Belle Pente Vineyard Pinot Noir is from the Yamhill-Carlton District, planted in 1994. It's made with indigenous yeast and spends 18 months in French oak. It's full, rich, and complex with an excellent display of black fruit alongside a spicy characteristic, reminiscent of Burgundy, accompanied by earthy flavors.
ADDENDUM: For the Burg-hounds.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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