Region: Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon

Vintage: 2018

Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

History: 22 years ago, Betz Family Winery was founded on a core principle: the relentless pursuit of the highest quality vineyard sites, pay attention to every vineyard detail, then allow time in the cellar for the slow evolution of characteristics unique to each plot. The French have a saying for this emphasis on the vineyard as the prime mover for wine quality and character, “Sous Nous,” meaning “below us.” We believe that the soul of our wine is not in the cellar…it is below us in the messy mix of earth and vine. This search for unique expressions of site and variety, or “Sous Nous” has led us through the finest Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Grenache plantings throughout Washington. He took us to the incredibly old dry-grown bush vines of Chenin Blanc in South Africa. And now, it has led us to a new and perhaps inevitable destination: limited-production bottlings of Pinot Noir from exceptional single vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Tasting Notes:

It shows loads of bright red fruit, blood orange, cranberry relish, and exotic perfume of rose petals, violets, and lilacs. The palate caresses with plush richness and bright acidity, supported by silky tannins and just enough minerality to keep things intriguing.