Tag Archives: Willamette

Belle Pente Estate Reserve – 95 Points!

September 2018

Belle Pente Estate Reserve 2014

Best Ever? You decide!

The wines from Belle Pente are a mainstay here at Vinopolis and we’re thrilled to see Brian get some well deserved recognition for his Estate Reserve.

belle pente estate reserve 2014Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2014 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Josh Raynolds 95 points  “Limpid ruby-red. Powerful blue fruit liqueur, violet pastille, incense and smoky mineral aromas, along with hints of cola and exotic spices. Appealingly sweet and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed black raspberry, boysenberry, mocha and floral pastille flavors and a strong spicecake note. Supple, well-knit tannins give shape to the intensely fruit-driven finish, which lingers with outstanding persistence and building sweetness.”… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay 5-23-16

roserockchardDomaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($34.95) Buy Now: $28 special

Who’s to complain about more Drouhin wine from Oregon? Few winemakers possess the talent, experience, and intuition of Véronique Drouhin, be it State-side or in France. Domaine Drouhin’s latest acquisition, Roserock, gives Véro a chance to tease beauty out of Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir) from the cooler-clime Eola-Amity Hills AVA, whose volcanic soils nourish wines with typically-Oregonian depth.

The 2014 Roserock Chardonnay is crisp yet round (half stainless steel, half oak fermentation), pleasantly fruity (pear, honeysuckle, citrus), and only oaky enough to offer the smoothness and subtle warmth of Burgundian-style Chardonnay. Excellent to drink today with hors d’oeuvres, fish, white meat, or creamy cheeses, this delightful Chardonnay will happily age another few years.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 5-4-16

Crowley WV Chard 14Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($26.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

“The 2014 offering from Crowley shows their classic notes of dried ginger and golden apples with a brisk acidity.  The wine was raised in neutral French oak barrels for 16 months and offers a creamy texture from the extended lees aging along with a bright mineral finish that lasts for several minutes.  It is all declassified Four Winds Vineyard fruit comprised of 1/3 Dijon clone and 2/3 Wente clone.  (The 2013 release saw no Wente as this later-ripening variety was negatively affected by the rain.)  A remarkable offering, as always, that would pair well with a range of foods or be enjoyable on its own to sip and ponder.” -Suzanne

Winery note “Comprised of Wente and Dijon clones from Four Winds Vineyard this wine demonstrates the undeniable pedigree and personality of this fantastic high elevation and old vine site.  … Read the rest