2022 Benton Lane Estate Pinot Noir (750ml)

Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Sourced from “a five star vintage” producing classically styled Oregon Pinot according to Decanter’s Clive Pursehouse, the fresh and vibrant 93 pt. 2022 Benton Lane Estate Pinot Noir offers engaging aromatic spiced fruit with ripe smooth tannins balanced by bright acidity, a palate pleasing Oregon Pinot from the Willamette estate backed by Quintessa founder Agustin Huneeus bargain priced for fans of Oregon Pinot to stock up by the case.

After selling their Pritchard Hill vineyards in Napa in the late 1980’s, Benton Lane founders Steve and Carol Girard purchased a former sheep ranch straddling Benton and Lane Counties in the Southern Willamette Valley to produce Burgundy-style cool climate Pinot Noir, releasing wines under their distinctive postage stamp Benton Lane label for nearly three decades and continuing to manage the vineyards under the ownership of legendary vintner Agustin Huneeus. Situated on a biodiverse estate spanning 317 acres northwest of Eugene, Benton Lane’s 142 acres of dry farmed vineyards are planted almost exclusively to Pinot Noir in a mix of sedimentary and volcanic soils, enjoying the protection of significant peaks within the Coast Range with moderate temperatures that extend the growing season for optimal ripening. Crafted by winemaker Amael Orrego of the Huneeus winemaking team, the beautifully balanced 2022 Benton Lane Estate Pinot Noir was sourced from 82 parcels across the estate each vinified separately and the final blend matured in 19% new French oak for 10 months, yielding a fresh, lively Oregon Pinot Noir “with cooling acidity and ripe red and blue fruits” according to Eric Guido of Vinous and finishing “long and structured,” with nuanced complexity that will evolve over the next five or more years.

From an outstanding Willamette vintage producing “tremendous freshness” and “ample concentration” according to Decanter’s Clive Pursehouse, the impressive 93 pt. 2022 Benton Lane Pinot Noir is a top scoring, crowd pleasing Oregon Pinot Noir offering the enticing combination of rich, ripe flavors and a smooth, satisfying finish that calls for a second pour and unbeatably priced to reach for without hesitation.

93D

A challenging wine to make, says winemaker Amael Orrego, who crafts the blend of this wine across 82 Pinot Noir blocks. The wine captures the freshness of the Willamette Valley and its bright red berry aromatics that combine with savoury herbal notes of mint and pennyroyal. The palate offers red fruited complexity. Ripe wild strawberries, cranberries and mint rise up from elements of earth and forest floor for an impressive wine, capturing the fresh, lively character of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with broad distribution.

93 points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter (Jul 2024)

Alcohol By Volume: 13.50%

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$24.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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