2012 Belle Pente Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Reserve
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Pinot Noir Estate Reserve is a barrel selection from the Belle Pente Vineyard including the original planting from 1994 that tends to produce smaller berries. It has a deep bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and violet aromas that are nicely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, a firm body that gently grips the mouth, touches of brown spice and clove surfacing towards the structured finish. Brian O'Donnell has crafted a Pinot Noir with structure and ambition. It should drink well for 12-15 years.
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Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
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Brilliant ruby-red. A heady, strikingly pure bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, potpourri and Asian spices, along with suggestions of sassafras, cola and smoky minerals. At once concentrated and lithe, conveying superb energy and focus to its juicy raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors. A suave floral quality emerges with air, carrying through a very long, sweet, gently tannic finish that leaves sappy red berry and rose pastille notes behind. Is this the best bottling yet to emerge from this winery, which has firmly established itself as one of America's finest sources of elegant Pinot Noir? One thing's for sure, it's an excellent value.