2023 Pinot Noir The Upper Terrace
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2023 Pinot Noir The Upper Terrace has broader shoulders and offers more intensity, amplifying all the alpine notes the Cabin Block of Sequitur shows and layering on notes of wild raspberries, orange peel, and woodsy spice. This is a fantastic offering with well-defined tannins, zesty spice, refreshing acidity, and a long, mouthwatering finish. I would recommend decanting this one if opening any time soon, as it benefits from some air, and it will only improve with a few years of cellaring. Drink 2027-2047. 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 a partner with the Champagne and Burgundy house of Maison & Domaines Henriot. Today, Michael’s son Mikey has taken over the wine production and has been joined by Damien Lapuyade as winemaker since 2023. Beaux Frères has also transitioned to producing wines entirely from their estate fruit, which is farmed biodynamically. Readers will find happy homes for the holdings that were not part of the estate they worked with in the past, represented in this report, which don’t fall far from the Etzell family’s sphere of influence.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Pinot Noir The Upper Terrace has dynamic aromas of wild berry fruit, black tea leaves, violet, forest floor and flint. The medium-bodied palate is brimming with wild berry flavors and offers Goldilocks ripeness. It’s structured by firm, chalky tannins and bright acidity and has a long, spicy finish. it will benefit from time in the cellar.
The 2023 Pinot Noir The Upper Terrace is youthfully poised and inward. Coaxing unlocks a bouquet of crushed blackberries and strawberries, wild herbs, shavings of citrus and spice. The palate is a total pleasure, round and pliant with juicy acidity and elegant waves of ripe wild berry fruit. It finishes wickedly fresh yet still lightly tannic, leaving rosy inner florals and an echo of clove that lingers. While deceptively approachable, the 2023 Pinot Noir displays a balance that will allow it to coast in the cellar.
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.