Beaux Frères’ 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a house-style snapshot from one of Ribbon Ridge’s best-known estates, blending estate and outside fruit to deliver an approachable but serious Oregon Pinot. Multiple reviewers note that the cuvée now leans more heavily on estate sourcing: Vinous reports that, “as of 2023, the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir now makes use of the new Bridge Vineyard, making it about 61% estate fruit” (Vinous). Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate similarly calls it “made from around 60% estate fruit” (Wine Advocate). Decanter adds sourcing detail, describing it as “from three vineyard sources,” with “60%…from the Beaux Freres estate site,” and notes it was “bottled in August 2024” (Decanter).
Critically, this is an excellent vintage for the label. Decanter’s 95-point review stands out as the top score, praising its balance of “angularity and freshness” and the way it is “built to be approachable and speak to the house style,” citing “effusive rose petals with explosive red fruits…cranberries and blood orange, bright mineral salinity and freshness” (Decanter). Wine Spectator (94 points) underscores polish and nuance: “Supple and elegantly complex…raspberry and cherry…forest floor, dusky spices and cinnamon,” finishing on “polished tannins,” with a drinking window “now through 2035” (Wine Spectator). James Suckling (94 points) frames it as “concentrated but generous and approachable,” moving from “charming red fruit” aromatics to “deeper…black cherries” on the palate (James Suckling).
Aromatic lift is a consistent theme. Vinous calls it “aromatically stunning,” with “sweet rose and lavender…dusty dried strawberries and spice,” and describes a palate that is “energetic yet also silken and supple,” finishing with “gently grippy tannins” and a “nuance of licorice” (Vinous). Jeb Dunnuck (93 points) highlights a “fruity and savory profile” with “light gamey richness,” and notes that the winery used “about 5%” whole cluster in 2023 (Jeb Dunnuck). Wine Advocate emphasizes structure and detail—“fine, dusty tannins and juicy acidity”—and a long, savory-tinged finish (Wine Advocate).
