The Vigneview Verdict
The Christmas period often brings a fair share of surprises and discovering this Beaux Frères Vineyard 2014 Pinot Noir in my mother-in-law’s wine cellar was certainly a fortuitous event! I gifted her this bottle back in 2017 when we moved from Oregon to London via Sweden. In 2016, Wine Spectator chose this wonderful wine as its #3 wine of the year! Fortunately, at the time, I was living right down the road from the vineyard and managed to buy a few bottles before they sold out. If you’re not familiar with Beaux Frères Pinot Noirs…well, frankly you’re missing out…big time!!! I recently tasted their Beaux Frères 2016 Willamette Valley Blend, which proved to be an impressive wine sourced with grapes from some of the top Willamette Valley area vineyards. However, the 2014 is a bit more special as the grapes are sourced entirely from the world renowned Beaux Frères Vineyard, which consistently earns ratings of 95+ for its wines.
As this bottle is already 7 years old and has travelled the world a bit before settling down in good ol’ Sweden, I thought that it was the perfect time to pop the cork and see what’s in store.
In the glass, this wine proudly presents itself as being unfined and unfiltered, which, when created by an expert winemaker, can be the difference between a good wine and a great wine. The unfiltered ‘bits’ really add a sense of the rugged Oregon terroir that I know and so dearly love. The characteristic ruby red Pinot Noir colour is beginning to show-off subtle garnet hues, which is about right considering it’s an ageing wine.
On the nose a vibrant perfume of violets draws me in, along with red raspberries, red plums, a decadent pomegranate note along with a bit of oak and cloves. Wait…there’s more! I start to smell figs and dried cherries along with mushroom notes that are all so characteristic of a beautifully ageing Pinot Noir. Wow…such a great start!
On the palate, the flavours burst and are carried along a lengthy finish filled with smooth tannins, uplifting acidity and a beautiful raspberry cordial note on the back palate.
OMG…this is a keeper!! It’s mine…all mine!!! Well, I did manage to share some with my family; however, I strategically positioned the bottle right in front of me. Such a great wine that is the embodiment of Oregon Pinot Noir. I highly recommend buying a bottle or another vintage if you can fine one.
Food Pairing
Pair this incredible Beaux Frères Vineyard 2014 Pinot Noir with an herb-roasted leg of lamb (Icelandic lamb is the best!!) topped with a delightful mushroom sauce. This is a perfect pairing! Enjoy!
Cheers! x
Producer: Beaux Frères
Country: Oregon, USA
Region: Beaux Frères Vineyard, Ribbon Ridge AVA
Vintage: 2014
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Closure: Cork
Style: Still
Colour: Ruby red with subtle garnet hues
Sweetness: Dry
Acidity: Medium+
Tannins: Medium
Alcohol: 14%
Body: Medium
Aromas/Flavours:
Primary: Violets, raspberries, pomegranates, red plums
Secondary: oak, cloves
Tertiary: Dried red cherries, figs, mushrooms, forest floor
Drinking Window: Can drink now or save for another 2 years.
Price: $90 release price