The Beaux Frères Vineyard : Upper Terrace Pinot Noir 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Upper Terrace Pinot Noir 2022 by The Beaux Frères Vineyard

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals a bright, deep ruby robe, enhanced by purplish garnet highlights in its youth.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet is deeply expressive, exotic and opulent. It exudes great complexity, blending aromas of dark raspberry, wild berries, dried cherry and red fruits with floral notes of violet and dried flowers. Hints of sage, resinous herbs, mint, conifer, cedar, woody spices and toasted bread intertwine with nuances of damp earth, humus, undergrowth and mushrooms.

Palate
The texture is rich, fluid and remarkably silky. The structure relies on a beautiful mineral depth, fine concentration and supple tannins, leading to a long finish.

Food and wine pairings
This cuvée pairs wonderfully with noble roasted poultry (pigeon, duck, guinea fowl), delicate red meats such as veal or lamb, as well as slow-cooked dishes like bœuf bourguignon or coq au vin. It also accompanies mushroom-based preparations, truffle risottos and certain Asian specialities such as teriyaki duck to perfection.

Serving and ageing
To fully appreciate the Upper Terrace Pinot Noir 2022, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 15 to 16 degrees. In its youth, decanting for about an hour helps soften its tannins and release its aromas. Endowed with excellent ageing potential, this wine can be enjoyed until around 2034.

The elegance and depth of a great American Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley crafted by The Beaux Frères Vineyard

The estate
Founded in 1986 by Michael Etzel and his brother-in-law Robert Parker Jr., the The Beaux Frères Vineyard estate has established itself as an essential benchmark in Oregon. Set in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this pioneering estate has distinguished itself through its pursuit of excellence and its artisanal approach. Today, the property belongs to Artémis Domaines, the wine holding company of the Pinault family, which carries on this quality-driven philosophy. The estate stands out for its unique ability to combine the typical fruit-forward generosity of its region with the elegance and complexity of the greatest Burgundy crus.

The vineyard
Sourced from a single plot in an idyllic setting, this cuvée comes from a site located at a slightly higher altitude than the estate's historic vineyard, in the Willamette Valley. Planted in the year 2000 on a south-east-facing slope, the vines flourish in the heart of a majestic Douglas fir forest. Cultivated according to organic and biodynamic practices from the outset, this terroir benefits from deep respect for its authenticity and natural environment.

The vintage
The 2022 season began with a late budbreak at the end of March, followed by a severe frost episode on April 12. This event, combined with a cold spring, reduced the foliage by around 70%. The vines nevertheless benefited from a summer with above-average temperatures and very little rainfall from mid-June onwards. Flowering began on June 28. The harvest took place from October 1 to 15, with only 10 mm of rain at the end of picking. The very mild late-season conditions greatly contributed to the exceptional quality of this harvest.

Winemaking and ageing
The making of the Upper Terrace Pinot Noir 2022 is based on a natural fermentation triggered by indigenous yeasts. The wine then benefits from 10 months of ageing in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new. To preserve all its purity, the wine undergoes no movement until bottling, with the exception of rackings.

Grape variety
100% Pinot Noir.