As our day in Oregon wine rolls on, we share one of the most illustrious Oregon estates located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, Beaux Frères was founded by Michael Etzel more than twenty years ago. While on vacation in 1986 Michael came across an 88 acre pig farm and after some consideration he decided to purchase the land with his brother in law, Robert Parker — and the rest became Oregon wine history. Michael focused on his job as vineyard manager by planting Pinot Noir in the Ribbon Ridge AVA and while planting his vineyard he interned at Ponzi Winery. It was all the way back in 1990, that Michael harvested his first estate fruit and sold the grapes winemakers Ken Wright and Dick Ponzi. Michael decided there was something special with his vineyard and began making focused, mineral-driven Pinot Noirs from this special site. The wines were subsequently reviewed with incredible acclaim.
Over the years I have had the chance to sample these beautiful wines and have been incredibly impressed with their overall quality and purity of red fruit character. There is also a continuous vein of pretty red floral character that runs through these wines. Beaux Frères is also the only winery in Oregon that does not send me wine to review, as they prefer to meet in person at their winery. This new release was captured and shared by a friend. The 2021 Beaux Frères ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) brilliantly showcases this warm vintage. Ripe red fruits parade with a seamless texture and wonderful depth and elegance. This is a knockout wine. Learn more about this famed winery at beauxfreres.com and here is my review of the new 2021 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir
2021 Beaux Frères ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The elegant, seamless and captivating 2021 ‘Willmette Valley’ Pinot Noir is another stunning edition of this wine by Beaux Freres. Once on the nose the class red rose petal character shines through alongside cigar box, red currants and shades of orange peel. Lithe and polished, with a silky mouthfeel, this shows a great combination of nerve and weight. This is quite primary on the palate right now but will gain considerably complexity while this ages gracefully over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 95