94 points Vinous: "Powerful aromas of fresh red berries, cherry pit, blood orange and minerals, with a touch of licorice adding depth. Sweet and seamless in the mouth, offering densely packed black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that put on weight and pick up a spicy topnote with air. Shows very good breadth and seamless texture, finishing with impressive clarity, harmonious tannins and a lingering red fruit preserve quality."
2012 vintage notes
Belle Pente's flagship 2012 Pinot is awesome. Silky, suuuper silky, with a deep palate awash in black raspberry, and black cherry, accented by floral and coffee notes. The finish reminds me of fresh summer blackberries with a splash of cream on top. 2012 marks the 11th vintage of a Belle Pente Vineyard bottling, and the wine is still well under $40. Delicious today, better in 3 years, even better in 6. You get the picture. You can't lose.
Belle Pente epitomizes Oregon wine: speak softly, and let your wines do the talking. Wines grown and made with integrity, priced with modesty. Brian and Jill O'Donnell are the kind of people you want to buy wine from; fortunately, they also make some of our favorite Oregon Pinots. - Marcus