2023 Belle Pente Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

The 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of fruit from Belle Pente’s estate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and select sustainably farmed sites across the northern Willamette Valley. Grown on marine sedimentary and volcanic soils, the fruit is hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts, with partial whole-cluster inclusion for aromatic lift and texture. Aging takes place in mostly neutral French oak barrels to preserve freshness and varietal purity. The 2023 vintage—a return to classic Oregon conditions—brought moderate ripeness, bright acidity, and lower alcohols, yielding a wine that is both expressive and age-worthy. A versatile match for roast salmon, duck breast, or wild mushroom dishes.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Founded in 1994 by Brian and Jill O’Donnell, Belle Pente (“beautiful slope”) is a family-owned winery committed to producing wines of elegance, balance, and terroir expression. Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the estate is farmed organically and follows many biodynamic practices, emphasizing ecological harmony and soil vitality. Belle Pente is known for its restrained, European-influenced style of winemaking—favoring native fermentations, modest use of new oak, and minimal intervention. Their Pinot Noirs, in particular, have earned a loyal following for their transparency, aging potential, and soulful expression of Oregon’s diverse terroirs.