Consistently one of the Willamette Valley heavyhitters, Beaux Freres has achieved very high Steven Tanzer and Wine Spectator scores that rival the best of the region. Head winemaker Grant Coulter has had a knack for making the best out of the least promising vintages, such as 2007, 2009 and 2011 – vintages considered sub-par compared to 2008, 2010 and 2012. I was particularly impressed by the 2009 wine, that had impressive terroir and aromas.
Tasting at Beaux Freres is a relaxing country experience. The tasting room is simple but you are there for the wine, not the aesthetics of the tasting room. The tasting room staff was somewhat austere, but that is what you expect for an appointment only winery and the wines do speak for themselves. Here are some of the outstanding wines that I sampled at Beaux Freres.
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2011 Beaux Freres Vineyard Pinot Noir- Incredibly perfumed nose. Guava, red cherry, cinnamon. Palate has cran-cherry, guava, raspberry and mint with light spice. Complex and delicious, on the lighter side. Impressive effort for the vintage. -92
2007 The Beaux Freres Vineyard Pinot Noir- Mustier nose with mushroom and forest floor. Palate has raspberry, mushroom and nutmeg with cherry pie. Lighter style. Delicious. -92
2009 The Beaux Freres Vineyard Pinot Noir- Higher alcohol at 14.2%. Riper vintage. Raspberry, nutmeg, mushroom on the nose. Palate has better viscosity and richness on the palate than the '07. Mushroom, raspberry and cherry pie. Delicious. -93
2012 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir- Comprised of mostly fruit that they purchased. Perfumed nose with red cherry and rose petals. Plush style with raspberry, red cherry and vanilla. Very solid. -91