Belle Vallee Pinot noir Willamette Valley 08

Smart Buy!

2009 Wine Spectator - 91 points - Lithe, supple and juicy, with raspberry and strawberry fruit. Gains some real depth, with hints of mineral and toast, as the finish sails on and on. Impressive for its refinement coupled with brilliant flavors. Drink now through 2015.--H.S.

2004 Vintage Tasting Notes

The 04 Willamette Valley starts with spicy white pepper and violets on the nose, with some brown sugar and blueberry coming out with time. Black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry streaks lead you towards lovely, mildly spicy oak tannins. The white pepper and tannins provide beautiful bookends to a delicately-bodied wine. Outstanding value!

Heady aromas of blueberry, pepper and violets followed by a tight black cherry, black raspberry and spice center.

From the winery: "a blend of vineyard lots which best exemplify the balance, expression and pure nuances of Pinot Noir. Alpine and Rainbows End located in the Southern Willamette Valley are settled between 250-350ft elevations, some of the warmest sites in the south valley. These vineyards make up 51% of this blend and ensure beautifully ripe fruit year in and year out, adding dark fruit flavors and structure to our Vintage blend. Cherry Hill is located on the West slope of the Eola Hills (mid-valley) at elevations ranging from 425-460ft with a south to south-east exposure Cherry Hill has proven to consistently unload dark rich color and weight to our wines. Freedom Hill is located in the McMinnville foothills, our youngest fruiting vines (planted in 2001) add to this blends highly expressive aromatics. Stermer is located in the Northern Yamhill County (heart of the wine country) is definitely to blame for this wines fine-grained tannin finish and mineral overtones. Enjoy!"