Brian O’Donnell owns a beautiful property in Willamette Valley and is a dry farmer. Love his title which is Winegrower. Of all of the wineries we visited on this trip, Belle Pente in my opinion offered the best quality to price. When you can buy his estate Chardonnay from the Belle Pente Vineyard for $45.00 and the Pinot as well you know this is a winery that needs to be represented in your cellar. Here are my notes from this trip.
Pronounced: bell-pont’ The name means beautiful slope which describes their hillside located in Yamhill-Carlton. On this 70 acre property they practice organic viticulture and the first vines were planted in 1994. 4,500 cases produced annually.
CellarTracker! Belle Pente (Day 2: Stop 1: Willamette Valley)
Whites/Rose
Very impressive indeed. Love the Chardonnay.
- 2021 Belle Pente Belle Oiseau Willamette Valley – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Glasvin Fu. Ok this was very much a fun wine. So date opened was 7/5/2026. Ok argon gas was used but still fresh. Makes 3 day reviews look tame. Flint, apricot, lemon, dust and nice acidity. Very fun wine and a blend of Riesling. Pinot Gris and Muscat. Nice. (91 pts.)
- 2023 Belle Pente Pinot Gris – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Ok this is very nice. 13.6% alcohol. Diam closure. White flowers, melon, spices, lemon, line and dust. Very nice offering. (91 pts.)
- 2023 Belle Pente Pinot Gris Arancione – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
A solid Rose wine with floral, strawberries, spices, minerals and shells. Tasty. (90 pts.)
- 2021 Belle Pente Chardonnay Belle Pente Vineyard – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Ok one if not the best Chardonnay’s for the money on this trip. Brian using the estate fruit on this one. Hazelnut, minerals, spices, lemon, minerals, dust and white flowers. Nice concentration and medium plus finish. (94 pts.)
Pinot Noirs
Well they are outstanding in quality and value.
- 2023 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
Strawberries, raspberries, spices, menthol, earth and dust. Medium finish. Very nice wine. (92 pts.)
- 2023 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Belle Pente Vineyard – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
A great expression of Pinot Noir. Rich with strawberries, roses, dried flowers, spices, blueberries and cherry. The star here is the fruit. Medium finish. (94 pts.)
- 2022 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Riona’s Block Estate – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
Wow is this nice with Glasvin Fu stem. Stone, raspberries, floral, smoke, wafer and stems. 25% whole clusters and 50% new oak. Medium plus finish. Delicious. (93 pts.)
- 2022 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Estate Reserve – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton
Glasvin Fu. Very nice wine and would age this longer. Cherry, floral, earth, spices, perfume and wood. 93+ (93 pts.)
We will have to go with you next year.