Pinot Noir, Beaux Freres 'Zena Crown'

Vibrantly faceted, this wine from a spectacular Eola-Amity Hills site is a rarity in their lineup thanks to a volcanic red clay Jory soil foundation. Candied red cherries and whispering floral notes precede a palate of blue fruit, finishing with a burst of fresh citrus zest.

The Beaux Freres vineyards are located on an 86-acre farm in Yamhill County's Willamette Valley. Majestic Douglas fir trees comprise just under 50 acres of the farm, with the homestead and barns occupying another six acres. The vineyard is situated on 30 acres of steep contiguous hillsides that enjoy an exceptional south/southwest exposure. The property, purchased in 1987 by Michael Etzel and the noted wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr., was named Beaux Freres (the brothers-in-law). A few years later Robert Roy, a Pinot Noir and red burgundy enthusiast from Quebec, became the third member of the Beaux Freres partnership.

Vinous 94 points - Deep, glistening red. Powerful, smoke- and spice-accented black raspberry, cherry and floral scents are complicated by subtle cola and vanilla notes. Appealingly sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense red and dark berry, cola and spicecake flavors that pick up a hint of cocoa on the back half. Rounded, well-knit tannins frame a smooth, impressively persistent finish that leaves behind red berry liqueur and mocha notes.

Wine Spectator 94 points - Finesse meets structure, with expressive cherry and blueberry flavors that take on notes of orange peel, stony minerality and dusky spice, building momentum toward polished tannins.