From the oldest vineyard in the Eola Amity Hills AVA. We’ll start the parade of great reviews with Master Sommelier John Szabo, who rates it the best Bethel Heights Pinot and 5 stars for value (at $46):
A really terrific vintage for Bethel Heights' 2021 Eola-Amity pinot, this is broad, dark and spicy, with sumptuous, full-bodied palate, lush but firm, with terrific balance and length. I love the mix of both red and black fruit, the savoury spice, floral-pot pourri notes, the silky tannins, ripe but firm acids - there's so much going on here. Outstanding length and depth; best 2024-2033 or so.
And Michael Godel:
Extremely youthful, reductive pinot noir here from Bethel Heights, leader in the areas of full and profound wines for Eola Amity Hills. Aromatically present with berry blossoms and pencil shavings but the palate is where things really take a turn for the celebratory. Full and fleshy flavours of dark berries and a demi-glacé for rare venison that makes one want to lick the plate, A sumptuous pinot noir here with decadent restraint. Really fine.
And the Wine Spectator:
Sleek and handsomely structured, with expressive raspberry and red plum flavors laced with black tea, forest floor and hints of mineral, building tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031.
And Wine & Spirits:
The winery’s estate selection, one of their largest production pinots, brings out the best of the property. It’s a sinewy wine with a sensuous give—a thin cushion of tannin framing generous, juicy black-cherry fruit. Despite a firm complement of tannins, it feels balanced and drinkable now.
And the Wine Enthusiast:
Everything about this wine, from texture to tannins, is soft and silky. Sweet, ripe peach and red-cherry aromas are counterpointed by traces of lemon verbena and red pepper. The wine's flavors are rich mix of dark, ripe raspberries, rosewater-flavored Turkish delight candy and lemon peel.
And here’s Sallee:
Now here’s a proper Pinot Noir!
Again, the only other NC store to have this exquisite Pinot Noir charges $40 for it. But then, as Godel says, it’s a five-star value even at $46.
