American Pinots are often thought to be lightweights, not particularly cellar worthy. That may be true for some American Pinot Noirs but not true for the 2000 Bethel Heights Flat Block Reserve I had the pleasure of drinking over two nights recently.
The estate–grown grapes came from a three acre block of Pommard clone vines in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA in Oregon and the resulting wine was barrel-aged in 60 percent new French oak for 14 months. Built for the cellar, this is a big body wine and the color is a deep blood red.
On the nose there is dark fruit and earth and on the palate there is plenty of unctuous fruit—dark cherry predominates. The mouthfeel is smooth and the fruit yields to some nice acid and some licorice. The finish was medium to long with fine tannins and lingering cherry and chocolate flavors. Or maybe I was tasting the dark-chocolate caramel dusted with sea salt that I was nibbling on as I made my notes. Likely, but nonetheless what a dessert it made!
There were less than 500 cases made of this wine so I doubt you will still find it in circulation. However, it proves that some producers are making Pinot Noirs that do hold up and shine after close to ten years in the bottle.
To find out more about this family-owned and managed winery located in Salem, Oregon, click here.
Laura, It is wonderful to hear news of our wines that have gone out in the world and found good homes. Thank you for posting this report!
ReplyDeletePat Dudley
Bethel Heights Vineyard
Pat, we have so enjoyed your wines over the years. I am providing a bottle of your 2006 Casteel Reserve for this evenings Oregon Pinot Noir blind tasting at the Roanoke Fine Wine Society's meeting. I'll be posting comments from that tasting soon.
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