Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - May/June 06
2004 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Casteel Reserve Willamette Valley
92
($45) Light red. Smoky, musky blackberry aroma is lifted by spicy and floral nuances. Sweet and silky on the palate, conveying an explosive impression of ripe blackberry and cassis. One of the most powerfully fruit-driven wines I tasted from Oregon this year. The juicy, long finish features a concentrated blackcurrant flavor and a complicating smoky quality. Really sexy pinot.
2004 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard Willamette Valley
91
($40) Dark red. Inviting bouquet of fresh raspberry, wild strawberry and redcurrant. Plush and silky in texture, but also impressively tangy and focused, with bright red berry flavors showing energy and vibrancy. Finishes on a fresh, juicy note, with bright acids giving lift and shape to the sweet fruit.
2004 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard Willamette Valley
91
($40) Deep red color. Youthful, concentrated aromas of red and dark berries, with high-pitched, sexy baking spice notes. Broad and sweet, with flavors of blackberry, bitter cherry, licorice and cinnamon. As sweet and exotic as this is now, it also possesses impressive depth and power, and the structure for aging.
2004 Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Noir Southeast Block Reserve Willamette Valley
89
($40) Bright red. Racy aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry and mint. This very supple wine quickly put on weight in the glass, with the flavors taking a turn toward blackberry and blackcurrant. Round, harmonious tannins provide structure. Finishes fresh and long, with a lingering note of bitter cherry.
