We keep hearing about how difficult it is to make affordable Willamette Valley Pinot noir, yet we keep disproving that by finding outstanding Pinot values. Today, we've enlisted the help of two Yamhill-Carlton heavyweights: under-the-radarBelle Penteand Oregon's most famous vintner,Ken Wright.
Belle Pente is a long time favorite of ours so we feel particularly qualified to say that their wines just keep getting better. Their Yamhill-Carlton bottling is 100% estate grown Belle Pente Vineyard, making it one of the better values coming from the area. Within the warmer Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Belle Pente creates silky, finesse-driven wines of freshness and balance. Our customers love them as much as we do.
The 2015 Yamhill-Carlton may be the best yet -- it is a killer value, absolutely packed with flavor and class. Showcasing a spectrum of red, blue, and black fruits, it is pure and fresh with subtle field herb accents through the silky finish. - Marcus
Lush and energetic, Ken Wright's value blend delivers heaping scoops of fresh crushed berries. It's really a "friendly" Pinot, encouraging you to get to know it. Most of the famous vineyards Ken works with are blended into this bottle, forless than half the priceof his single-vineyard Pinots. A dynamite value. - Marcus
90 points Wine Spectator, Smart Buy:"Polished and harmonious, with expressive raspberry and smoky spice flavors that glide along the finish. Drink now through 2023."
And in case you want to try the pinnacle of Belle Pente, and of the Yamhill-Carlton growing area, we might add, don't miss this stunner:
95 points Vinous, Josh Raynolds:"Powerful blue fruit liqueur, violet pastille, incense and smoky mineral aromas, along with hints of cola and exotic spices. Appealingly sweet and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed black raspberry, boysenberry, mocha and floral pastille flavors and a strong spicecake note. Supple, well-knit tannins give shape to the intensely fruit-driven finish, which lingers with outstanding persistence and building sweetness."
We're looking forward to helping you with an order. Thanks for your support and have a great weekend!
Some wines speak to the past, some are here and now, others offer glimpses at how the Willamette Valley might evolve. Only one winery encompasses it all–storied past, delicious present, thrilling future: Eyrie.
Temporary hours (Covid) We're available by phone 503.206.8589 from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time, Monday through Friday, by appointment Saturday, and closed Sunday.
The shop is temporarily not open to the public. You may always reach us by email:
andy@northwest-wine.com and marcus@northwest-wine.com
Build a Case
Make sure you always get a discount by using Build a Case. How it works:
If you haven't found a full case (12 bottles) to buy today, start your Build a Case now by purchasing a few bottles online, by phone or email. If you order online, select the Build a Case option. If by phone or email, just ask us to add the bottles to a Build a Case for you. You'll receive order confirmation and we'll cellar the wines for you at no charge.
Add to your case whenever you see wines you can't resist. Each time you add to your Build a Case, you'll be charged the discounted price.
When you complete your case, we'll apply a shipping rate and contact you to schedule your case for shipment.
Because of finite space in our warehouse, we kindly ask that you complete your Build a Case within six months. Please email or call us with any questions.
And in case you want to try the pinnacle of Belle Pente, and of the Yamhill-Carlton growing area, we might add, don't miss this stunner: