2021 Beaux Frères Pinot Noir The Upper Terrace
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir The Upper Terrace takes its time, youthfully coiled and brooding in the glass. Coaxing reveals a decidedly savory bouquet with an earthy tinge, notes of sage and rosemary giving way to crushed wild berries and hints of cola. Silky and sleek, the 2021 flows easily across the palate, mixing a zesty citrus twang with red berry and spice depths underscored by a near-salty sensation. Tactile mineral tones mingle with fine tannins, adding grip through the finish as violet inner florals slowly fade, and the Upper Terrace sinks into a long slumber. Bury your bottles deep; this is liquid gold.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A more transparent medium ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir The Upper Terrace takes on a more woodsy and dark profile while remaining graceful. In the glass, it reveals notes of pine, cherry liqueur, wet asphalt, and rosemary. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and more earth tones, it has the bones to last well over the coming 10-12 years. Michael Etzel founded Beaux Freres in 1991 in Ribbon Ridge alongside his brother-in-law Robert Parker. In 2017, Parker and another investor sold their shares and Michael became partners with the Champagne and Burgundy house of Maison & Domaines Henriot. Today, Michael’s son Mikey has taken over the wine production. Michael purchased an adjacent property, Sequitur, which is a 12-acre vineyard he farms and where he produces wines today. Both Beaux Freres and Sequitur are farmed biodynamically.
About the producer
Beaux Frères is amongst Oregon’s leading wine producers. The estate was always destined for greatness given it was co-founded by none other than Robert Parker.