The 2021 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Beaux Freres Vineyard from the Willamette Valley in Oregon is a red wine that has garnered high praise from several notable wine reviewers. This Pinot Noir, with an alcohol content of 13.5%, is known for its dynamic and expressive qualities.
Wine Spectator awarded this wine a score of 94, highlighting its "fragrant violet and raspberry aromas" and "spirited guava, white pepper and spiced tea flavors," which culminate in medium-grained tannins. The publication recommends drinking it now through 2033.
Decanter provided a slightly higher score of 95, emphasizing the vineyard's history as a former plum orchard and its mix of own-rooted vines and grafted Dijon clones. The reviewer notes the wine's "elegance and depth of complexity," with aromatics of forest floor and exotic spices that hint at dark fruit notes. The wine features red berry fruits transitioning to pluots, black plums, and mint, with a savory underline throughout its balanced, elegant texture. Silky tannins mark the finish.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the wine 95 points, describing it as "medium ruby-purple" with a nose that opens slowly to reveal wild blackberry, blueberry, forest floor, licorice, bitters, and floral potpourri. The light-bodied palate is soft and juicy with concentrated flavors and a long, floral finish. Erin Brooks praised it as "elegant, expressive and easy to drink."
Jeb Dunnuck gave the highest score of 97, calling it "layered and graceful" with a "ripe ruby hue" and a "beautiful perfume of orange rind, fresh red plum, clove spice, and rocky earth." The medium-bodied wine boasts "tremendous energy, fine tannins, a mineral texture, and a great, lightly toasty finish."
James Suckling scored it 95, noting its "complex aromas of cherry stones, bramble berries, licorice, cardamom, bark and some potpourri." He described it as medium-bodied, tight, and refined, with very fine tannins and savory qualities. He advises drinking it from 2024.
Vinous awarded a score of 96, describing it as "dark and brooding" with "dried black cherries and cola" mixed with "savory herbs and dusty earth." The wine is "elegant and refined with polished red berry fruits and saline minerals" and finishes with a youthful grip and wild berry concentration, suggesting many years of positive development.
Overall, the 2021 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir Beaux Freres Vineyard is highly recommended for its complexity, elegance, and potential for aging.