December 18, 2023 - Needs a couple of hours to open up. Much more vegetal than I recall, with lots of bell pepper notes and not much fruit. Flavors are definitely soft and melded together, with no significant tannins, but overall I was a little underwhelmed (sadly — it’s been a couple of years since my last Belle Pente, but I have very fond memories of it).
April 29, 2023 - Consistent with past notes almost three years ago. Not as complex as I recall but it's definitely more accessible and rounded out now. Did not need to decant - was showing nicely on opening. Paired great with sockeye salmon. Drink 2023 - 2028. Technical score: 92. Enjoyment score: 92.
May 5, 2022 - Dusty tannins? Decanted but should have let it breath longer. Probably needs more time in the bottle or a longer decant.
February 16, 2022 - Tasted after 30 minutes or air. Sweet red cherry fruit. Medium acid. Some tea. Nice lift on mid palate. Good balance.
November 26, 2021 - Dark red at the core with slight translucence at the rim. Deep, almost brooding cherry and strawberry nose. Deeply flavored on the palate, black cherries, strawberries. Still a bit primary. Excellent acidity, great balance. Bit spicy on the mid-palate. Finishes very long with cherry and anise notes. Lovely wine but it needs 3 to 4 years to really blossom. Should be outstanding if you have the patience to wait. If you drink it now, definitely decant for 2 hours or so. Better to wait, I think. 92 points with an upside.
June 19, 2021 - Tasted with Michael Shaps
May 1, 2021 - Deep garnet robe.
Savory dark red and black berry, cinnamon, sandalwood aromas.
Light body, balanced acids/tannins.
Dark fruit attack carries through to mid palate, sous bois mid palate evolves into a layered, lingering aromatic finish.
December 15, 2020 - Tasted on day 2. Medium ruby color. Nice floral/violets on the nose. Pretty. Lively on the palate. Medium plus acidity. Red berry fruits provide excellent balance to the acidity. I like that the fruit isn't overt. There is plenty of fruit here but it isn't sweet like so many other pinots. Brian has struck the perfect balance. There is some spicy here. Good persistence. An excellent effort that will drink nicely for years to come.
November 9, 2020 - Opened and decanted an hour ahead of roasted herb turkey breast. Cloudy garnet color. Perfumed nose of lavender, potpourri, red cherries, blackberries, and spring violets. The palate is medium, square, tight, and hot, bringing pomegranate, rhubarb, blackberry pie, huckleberries, more red cherries, hints of smoke and bitters, and lingering cloves on the finish. This is still wound up and squirrelly, with quite a bite of heat on the palate. However, the depth and complexity is outstanding, so this will be best 2024+. Technical score: 94. Enjoyment score: 92.
April 17, 2020 - Delicious wine. Fantastic nose, really well structured and nuanced on the palate, wonderful finish. Certainly the type of characteristics I look for in a WV Pinot Noir.