Grapelive Wine of the Week: An American Classic-Happy 4th of July!
By Kerry Winslow
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2009 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir “Beaux Freres Vineyard” Estate, Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley.
Beaux Freres is an iconic estate in the beautiful Ribbon Ridge area of the Willamette Valley, and is one of the great domaines of Oregon, and the world. Always a collectors trophy and wine lovers dream Beaux Freres Vineyard is considered one of the world’s great Pinot Noirs, comparing well with the best Grand Crus from Burgundy and causing envy in the best of California. Mike Edzel and his team have done it again with a stunning and richly smooth 2009 from this famed estate, which counts Robert Parker as a partner, and family member, that is why he refuses to rate them personally, and ironically he doesn’t need to as his rivals at Wine Spectator always rate them very highly, giving 93-96 in the last few vintages!
This 2009 is a classic with silky texture and mineral laced red fruits, leading with rose petal floral notes, spicy sweet wood giving subtle smoke and vanilla and cherry and mountain raspberry filling the mouth. This vintage is open and lush, but should gain with some time in bottle and drink great into the next decade.
($80 Est.) 94-95 Points, grapelive
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