Belle Pente's Willamette Valley is one of the most consistently excellent, over-deliverer in the bang-for-buck category. The '19 is fresh, juicy, and noteworthy in its elegant feel. Belle Pente fans know to grab at least a 6-pack; newcomers should follow their (and our) advice. -Marcus
2013 vintage notes
The New York Times published an article January 7th titled "Oregon Pinot Noir Delivers an Element of Surprise," featuring the 2013 vintage. Writer Eric Asimov and his tasting panel selected two 2013 Oregon Pinots of exceptional value as the only recipients of three stars, including Belle Pente's Willamette Valley. He wrote of "the vibrant, well-balanced Belle Pente, with persistent fruit and floral aromas and flavors, and that note of iron."
Asimov concurred with our assessment of 2013 from June 2015: "words we keep using are fresh, vibrant, and lively: everything we want in Willamette Valley blends." Our first wine in that June offering? Belle Pente Willamette Valley Pinot noir 2013.
Fresh-picked blackberry, tart raspberry, earth and truffle. The low-key nature of Belle Pente reflects the personalities of its proprietors, Brian and Jill O'Donnell. They eschew flashy, frilly marketing which had made them an insider find. They've been an Avalon favorite for over a decade. What they lack in flash they more than make up for in substance and value, beginning with their entry level Willamette Valley Pinot noir.
Made from declassified Belle Pente (Yamhill-Carlton), Murto (Dundee Hills) and Bella Vida Vineyards (Dundee Hills).