Pinot Noir, Belle Pente, Carlton-Yamhill District 2003

January 29, 2006 by Craig Camp in Oregon Wine, Pinot Noir

Here is an estate that embodies the potential for greatness in Oregon pinot noir. With this wine they blow away the stereotypes about the ultra-ripe 2003 Oregon vintage and produce a rarity - an under 14% alcohol 2003 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. While may pinots of this vintage taste of raspberries with a burn at the end, Belle Pente has produced a lovely balanced wine that tastes only of pinot noir and Willakenzie soil. There is no jammy, hot pinot here. Everything wine at Belle Pente exceptional and complex. Certainly not wines for the masses considering the quantity and style, but in my opinion an exceptional winery in all facets and this wine is clearly one of the best 2003 Oregon pinots produced.

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