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| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 91.3 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 175 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by The Drunken Cyclist on 4/14/2024 & rated 94 points: Retail $80. Heavy Bottle (678g; 1lb 7.9oz). A wine that I purchased before I started my blog more than twelve years ago and this is the second of the three bottles that we have popped. As I mentioned before, this is "dark, big, and juicy, which is not a surprise given that the wine was made by the Wagner family, who also make Caymus (I won't go into my thoughts on that wine here). Dark red fruit, a bit of eucalyptus on the nose, and the palate is fairly big and beefy, thick and rich, a touch of smoke, and a whole lot of dark fruit." Given the lineage, I really did not want to like this wine. Like a lot. But I do. Like a lot. Sure, there are more ethereal Pinots out there, more wines driven by a sense of place, but if you want a full-throttle, gangbusters Pinot? Yeah, this one works, for sure.
www.thedrunkencyclist.com (94 views) | | | Tasted by Wine4Life on 5/20/2022 & rated 90 points: Deep dark ruby, open nose with dark fruits dominating, full bodied black currants and cherries lead, great balance, with fully resolved tannins, long strong finish, excellent but time to drink up. (1119 views) | | | Tasted by Chris Keller on 5/10/2022 & rated 92 points: Garnett in color with notes of blackberry, black raspberry, baked cherry, gelatin, oak and spice in the form of pie crust and butter very fruit forward and delicious. With a long balanced finish and more humid earth notes. Drink now-2025. (1052 views) | | | Tasted by andrewdodd86 on 10/8/2021 & rated 88 points: Good, huge and rich, high RS. Faded darker fruit, earth and tobacco. But has aged well for what it is (1523 views) | | | Tasted by Wine_in_HD on 9/1/2021 & rated 95 points: I really like Belle Glos wines and put this bottle back a few years ago just to see how it would age. It took an hour or so to open up but got better as it went and was even better the second day. If there are any more bottles out there, you have something to look forward to. (1580 views) | | | Tasted by wine4lux on 10/1/2020 & rated 89 points: I was looking for a sweeter pinot tonight to serve with roasted acorn squash and salmon in a cherry rub. Delivered as expected. Some sweet cherry notes and a hefty amount of brown sugar on the palate. Big, ripe and sweet, not much finesse. Added a bit more complexity after the bottle was open for an hour. This vintage has a few years left at this level. (1788 views) | | | Tasted by andrewdodd86 on 12/23/2019 & rated 88 points: Huge and rich. Just starting to push the high RS sugar levels I feel Caymus/Wagner wines are now known for. Dark cherry, earth, and dried fruit.
Not bad, just really over the top and lacking some elegance (1814 views) | | | Tasted by The Drunken Cyclist on 10/27/2019 & rated 90 points: Another wine that I purchased before I started my blog almost eight years ago and this is the first of the three bottles that wee have popped. Dark, big, and juicy, which is not a surprise given that the wine was made by the Wagner family, who also make Caymus (I won't go into my thoughts on that wine here). Dark red fruit, a bit of eucalyptus on the nose, and the palate is fairly big and beefy, thick and rich, a touch of smoke, and a whole lot of dark fruit. To be honest, this is much more akin to a syrah than a Pinot, but I have to admit, I kinda like it. thedrunkencyclist.com (1900 views) | | | Tasted by hoservin on 4/20/2019 & rated 91 points: Decanted for 30 minutes. Cherry, plum, earth and spice aromas and flavors. Rich and ripe on the palate with fine tannins. Very long finish. Medium to full bodied. Served with honey glazed ham. (1792 views) | | | Tasted by bablues on 12/9/2017 & rated 90 points: 7th Annual Christmas dinner and cellar raid (Naperville, IL): Part of Christmas wine dinner and cellar raid and didn't take detailed notes. Belle Glos never disappoints. (4568 views) | | | Tasted by markcic on 12/4/2017 & rated 91 points: This is a beautiful pinot noir. It has been three years since I last tied a bottle and I served it last night with the oven roasted salmon. Red fruit on the nose. The palate is dark cherry, red plum, a hint of baked apple and some baking spices which come out on the smooth, full finish. (4035 views) | | | Tasted by hoservin on 8/26/2017 & rated 91 points: Popped and poured. Aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, spice and forest floor. Leads to a long finish. Medium bodied. Served with grilled salmon. (3523 views) | | | Tasted by Primordialsoup on 2/28/2016 & rated 92 points: In a great spot. Some slight heat lingering on the finish but this is open for business. Cherries, strawberries, herbs, and a bite of spice with a great mouth-feel into a nice finish. If you like the style drink away. If you don't like the style, just pretend it's not Pinot and enjoy a well made wine. (6266 views) | | | Tasted by lebo9968@gmail.com on 2/7/2016 & rated 90 points: Dark garnet color. Definitely new world style. Deep red berry flavors and aromas. Was better than I was expecting. Held up over 3 days. (6023 views) | | | Tasted by allisonhathhorn on 9/17/2015 & rated 88 points: Strawberries dominate the nose. Very hot in the first hour but tapered somewhat afterwards. Meh. (4905 views) | | | Tasted by JPH104 on 8/24/2015: Big, extracted. Spicy, oaky, jammy. Heat overwhelms the back end. Not great. (4738 views) | | | Tasted by Stevere on 7/23/2015 & rated 91 points: Very nice and abundant cherry fruit, absent of tannins, peaking now. (4757 views) | | | Tasted by Grayvino on 5/13/2015 & rated 89 points: This wine is still drinking nicely but fruit is beginning to fade. If you have this in your cellar, you might consider popping it. (2685 views) | | | Tasted by Rollerball on 4/26/2015 & rated 92 points: I didn't want to love such a big pushy Pinot but this is just too sexy to deny. Judicious new oak meets its match in kapow juicy ripe fruits that also have depth and balance. (2611 views) | | | Tasted by hoservin on 3/29/2015 & rated 91 points: Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 0.5 hour. Aromas of cherry, plum, vanilla cream soda, forest floor and spice. Palate echos the nose. Leads to a medium to long finish. Medium bodied with a velvety texture. Paired well with pork tenderloin with a mustard and sage sauce. (2152 views) | | | Tasted by Priorat Lover on 2/16/2015 & rated 87 points: Well, unlike the most recent posts below, I was very disappointed in the bottle of this I had last night. The fruit was fading and there was very little finish. I guess this doesn't age very well. (2344 views) | | | Tasted by Bowmanifesto on 2/15/2015 & rated 93 points: You know how it is when you see an old friend who you haven't seen in a long time and it's like no time passed at all, in fact, even better than how great you remembered? Yes, that's Las Alturas for me. The heights of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Welcome back, my friend. Let's do this more often. (2137 views) | | | Tasted by jperez68 on 11/27/2014 & rated 93 points: I drink pinot once or twice a year and this one surely did not disappoint with the thanksgiving meal. Fruit forward integrated tannins with a full bodied dry finish. Paired very well with all the side dishes also. Probably has 2-3 years left if well cellared but absolutely delicious now, drink up with some white meats. (2398 views) | | | Tasted by lagavulin on 11/22/2014 & rated 92 points: One of my go-to Pinots. A very dark, fruit forward Pinot with a hefty body and silky texture. Cherry, blackberry and plum with some coffee-like bitterness to boot. The finish lingers for several minutes. I would recommend it most on its own or with some game meats. (2415 views) | | | Tasted by markcic on 11/15/2014 & rated 91 points: Nice nose of red fruit and flowers, the palate was strawberry, red plums, a touch of cinnamon and smoke, really nice finish. We drank as an aperitif wine and it was totally enjoyable. I am glad I have more. (2312 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Sara d'Amato
WineAlign (4/11/2012)
(Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County red) Subscribe to see review text. | By David Lawrason
WineAlign (4/11/2012)
(Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County red) Subscribe to see review text. | By John Szabo, MS
WineAlign (4/4/2012)
(Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Allen Meadows
Burghound, January 2012, Issue #45
(Belle Glos Pinot Noir - Las Alturas Vineyard Villages Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, November/December 2011, IWC Issue #159
(Belle Glos Pinot Noir Los Alturas Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands) Subscribe to see review text. | i-WineReview.com, Report 29: The Wines of Monterey County (9/1/2011)
(Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands) Subscribe to see review text. | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (9/20/2011)
(Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas Vineyard) Very dark ruby color; high pitched, black cherry, blackberry nose; tight, tart blackberry, black cherry, sweet oak palate; needs 2 years; medium-plus finish 90 points | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (4/29/2011)
(Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas Vineyard) Medium dark cherry red color; nice tart cherry, spicy, ripe raspberry nose; tasty, raspberry, cherry palate; medium-plus finish 91 points |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of WineAlign and Burghound and Vinous and i-WineReview.com and RJonWine.com. (manage subscription channels) |
| Belle Glos Producer Website
The vineyard locations can all be described as coastal, but the climate differences are significant, depending on the amount of fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type at each site.
Each wine is crafted to distill the purest essence of the vineyard into elegant expressions of California Pinot Noir.
Winemaker Joseph Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced BELL GLOSS) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards.
http://www.meiomiwines.com/'> Producer website
Meiomi, (pronounced May-oh-mee) , has a separate website.
Prince of Pinot Article on Belle Glos
Belle Glos: Caymus Genes
Belle Glos (pronounced BELL GLOS) is owned by the Wagner family of Napa Valley Caymus Vineyards fame. Caymus Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Mer Soleil Chardonnay, and Caymus Conundrum are well know wines, but the winery has a long history with Pinot Noir, producing some excellent examples from relatively warm locations of the Napa Valley (Rutherford) in the late 1970s and 1980s. They even produced a Pinot Noir Blanc wine labeled “Eye of Partridge.”
The Pinot Noir program was revived in 2001 with the release of Belle Glos Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir and the wines have improved every year since. The name comes from Charles J. (Chuck) Wagner’s mother, Loma Belle Glos Wagner, a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards. Joseph Wagner, a fourth generation winemaker whose family’s roots in the Napa Valley date to 1906, has been the label’s vineyardist and winemaker since 2002. Belle Glos is a separate label from Caymus Vineyards, much like Mer Soleil and Conundrum, made independently from wines Chuck Wagner makes at Caymus Vineyards, referred to as “by the Wagner Family” rather than “by Caymus”, but distributed by Caymus Vineyards.
Caymus farms Pinot Noir in three coastal regions including the Sonoma Coast, Santa Maria Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands and produces vineyard-designated Pinot Noir from the estate vineyards in each region. A fourth Pinot Noir, Meiomi, is a value-priced wine found in wide distribution and restaurants. A distinctive and excellent rosé, is also produced that revives the name, “Oeil De Perdrix,” sourced from the Yorkville Highlands of Mendocino County. The Gambit Series of Pinot Noirs debuted in 2008 at Pinot Days San Francisco. These limited production single-vineyard wines with no added sulfur were intended to offer the rich and voluptuous nature of raw Pinot Noir grapes. I have not seen or heard of these wines since, but they are briefly described on the Belle Glos website.
Caymus acquired a portion of the historic Santa Maria Hills Vineyard in the 1990s. The land, on a west-facing slope of the Santa Maria Valley foothills, had been planted to Pinot Noir from 1972 to 1974, so the vines were almost ancient by California Pinot Noir standards. The vines were own rooted and the clone uncertain, but probably Martini, an heirloom clone that was one of the first Pinot Noir selections to grace California coast lands. I first reviewed the 2001 Belle Glos Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir in the July 7, 2003 issue of the PinotFile, and the wine was generally well received by the wine press. At the time, little was known of the label. Bob Hosmon of the Miami Sun Sentinel wrote, “To say that this is one of the best United States produced Pinot Noirs I’ve ever tasted is not an overstatement... if you’re looking for something truly special, you won’t be disappointed. Unfortunately no website, mail, e-mail or phone orders.” The website is still very basic and offers no opportunity to purchase the wines. With the 2002 vintage, winemakers Joseph Wagner and Jon Bolta (Conundrum) took what was already a low-yielding 76-acre vineyard and reduced the crop even more radically by regular thinning to increase the flavor concentration of the berries. When the grapes were hand harvested, they ended up with just over one ton per acre. The quality was so high and the flavors so distinctive they felt the wine deserved to be named for the vineyard that produced it which was located at the intersection of Clark & Telephone roads.
The 10-acre Sonoma Coast Taylor Lane Vineyard was planted near the town of Occidental in 1995. While Joseph Wagner was in middle school he helped develop this vineyard, clearing trees and rocks from this previously unplanted land, and laying out and planting the vine rows. To get the grapes to ripen in this cool seaside climate, the trellis system was converted to “Trentina,” named after the region in Italy where it originated, which maximizes sun exposure on the leaves. There is a very consistent diurnal temperature variation at this vineyard site which insures a good balance between ripeness and acidity. The first Belle Glos Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir was in 2002.
The Las Alturas Vineyard is located in one of the highest plantable sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, at altitudes of 540 to 1,210 feet. The site has warmer afternoons and tamer winds than the northern portion of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. This 15-acre vineyard was planted to match various Pinot Noir Dijon clones to different soils and slopes of the vineyard. Yields are kept deliberately low. The inaugural vintage from this vineyard was 2004.Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas VineyardMy goal with each of the Belle Glos single-vineyard Pinot Noirs is to express the uniqueness of each vineyard site and to craft a genuine style of California Pinot Noir that is layered, complex, fruit-forward and rich. Our Las Alturas Vineyard is an ideal location for growing such a robust, opulent and full-flavored style of Pinot Noir.
The Vineyard: The Spanish term “Las Alturas” means “the heights,” which is a fitting name for this vineyard because it’s located on one of the highest grape-growing benches within the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. At this elevation, the sunny but very cool climate creates a wine with the hallmarks of this coastal region: robust, expressive and full-bodied, balanced by a firm acidity. Nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountain Range and the western side of Salinas Valley, Las Alturas benefits from the cooling effect of the early morning fog that rolls in most days from Monterey Bay, burning off within a few hours once the sun heats up. Gusty winds also funnel in from the bay throughout the afternoon, moderating the overall temperature and contributing to one of the longest growing seasons in California. The high winds also result in smaller berries with very thick skins, giving us more color concentration. Another attractive characteristic of this particular site is the low-vigor, free-draining subsoil, made up of a calcareous base underneath a layer of sandy loam. This compliments our farming techniques to further reduce our yields per vine to augment the fruit’s intensity.
The Cellar: We harvested early morning to bring the fruit into the winery while the grapes were still cool so we could de-stem, but not crush the berries. Each tank then underwent a cold-soak to soften the skins, allowing for adequate extraction during fermentation, which in some cases was up to two weeks. The maceration process took
place during fermentation in both closed and open-top, stainless steel fermenters that are fully jacketed, using punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color and tannins, but also to control the temperatures and maximize flavors. We only barreled the free-run, discarding the press, in 100% French oak (60% new, 40% seasoned) for up to nine months. We racked the wine twice, once after malolactic fermentation, and then again when it came time to make the final blend.
Tasting Notes
Intense ruby red in color, it is an intriguing aromatic mix of sunbaked blackberry, bright cranberry, ripe plum, black licorice and hints of candy apple. Complex red and black fruits unfold on the palate; blackberries, raspberries and warm cherry pie filling, with a wonderful dark chocolate characteristic. Cedary oak and soft vanilla undertones on the mid-palate further enhance the wine. The overall impression is rich and silky with a firm acidity, refined tannins and explosive layers of ripe fruit.
- Joseph Wagner, Owner and Winemaker
2013 Las Alturas
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Belle Glos Pinot Noir | www.belleglos.com
VINTAGE DETAILS
Soil: Gloria sandy loam
Climate: Cool, very sunny
Growing Season (bloom to
harvest): 5/20/13 – 10/10/13
Avg. high temp: 78.9°F
Elevation: 540 – 1210 ft.
2013 Growing Season: Santa Lucia Highlands is known for its arid climate and windy conditions, with the Pacific Ocean’s influence cooling the desert-like environment. 2013 exemplified this climate in an extreme way with very little rain. Overall, it was a very even, warm growing season, free of any heat spikes. The dry winter stressed the vines early on, which also helped with the wonderfully intense flavor development in the fruit.
This wine is named in honor of my grandmother,
Lorna Belle Glos Wagner.Pinot Noir Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.
Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.
Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.
The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.
Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.
In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.
With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.
Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.USAAmerican wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.California2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson Central Coasthttp://www.ccwinegrowers.org/links.html
http://www.discovercaliforniawines.com/regional-wine-organizations/
http://beveragetradenetwork.com/en/btn-academy/list-of-winegrowers-association-in-central-coast-california-274.htm
Central Coast AVA WikipediaSanta Lucia HighlandsAppellation: Wine Artisans of Santa Lucia Highlands | Winegeeks article
AVA Website
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