A Wednesday NIght Wine!

On a “beautiful slope” outside of the town of Carlton sits the family owned vineyard of Belle Pente. The 70 acre property is owned by Jill and Brian O’Donnell, previously award-winning home brewers in California. They made the switch over to winemaking in the early 90’s and settled in the Willamette Valley. The worlds of beer and wine often crossover. Jay Sommers of J. Christopher Winery, Aron Hess of Daedalus Cellars, and our very own Dick Ponzi all had their hands in hops at some point in their careers.

The family believes in gentle handling and practice organic and biodynamic farming. This 2008 bottling is from 100% estate grown fruit, made for early drinkability, yet can certainly age for 6-8 years. It’s comprised of the younger vines that impart an approachable & easy to drink aspect to the wine. The bouquet is of wet stone and fresh fruit (think juicy Oregon Strawberries), while the palate stays equally fresh with subtle notes of white pepper that linger. Only 300 cases of this wine were made. The winemaker calls it a “Wednesday Night Wine.” I’ve done the math and there are just enough bottles to see us through sixty-nine Wednesdays.

Belle Pente Estate Pinot Noir 2008