BELLE PENTE

Founded in 1994 by Brian and Jill O’Donnell, Belle Pente Vineyard & Winery is a small, family-owned estate in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Meaning “beautiful slope,” Belle Pente reflects the estate’s hillside setting and the O’Donnells’ inspiration from the wines of Burgundy and Alsace. The estate is planted primarily to Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and a small amount of Gamay.

Belle Pente has been dry-farmed to organic standards since 2000, incorporating biodynamic and regenerative practices focused on healthy soils, biodiversity and long-term vineyard stewardship. With its own dedicated vineyard crew and animals integrated into the broader farm, Brian and Jill take a thoughtful, hands-on approach from vine to cellar, producing expressive, site-driven wines that reflect their commitment to the land.

Available in New Jersey only via Bonhomie Wine Imports

The Wines

Belle Pente WV Chard front

Chardonnay, Willamette Valley

100% Estate-grown Chardonnay from a small, 2 acre parcel on a steep, south- west slope planted in 1999 to marine sedimentary (Willakenzie) soil over sandstone. Hand harvested, combination of crushed and whole cluster press. 100% barrel fermented in both neutral Oregon oak and neutral French oak. Extended sur lie aging (10 months in barrel + 4 months in tank). Full malolactic fermentation.
Belle Pente WV PN Front

Pinot Noir, Williamette Valley

100% Pinot Noir from 3 vineyard sites: 81% from 30yr old Belle Pente Estate vines in Yamhill-Carlton planted to marine sedimentary soil, 13% from 12yr old Aileron Hill Vineyard vines in Yamhill-Carlton planted to transitional diabase soils and 6% from 26yr old Foxy Rock Vineyard vines in Yamhill-Carlton planted to marine sedimentary soil. Ambient yeast fermentation (14% whole cluster) 5-8 days cold soak, punch down 2x per day for about 19 days. Free run and light press direct to barrel. 12mo aging 4% New French Oak, 36% 1-2 year old and 60% 3-5 year old. Two rackings (barrel to barrel, and barrel to tank for bottling).
Belle Pente Rionas Block PN front

Pinot Noir 'Riona's Block'

100% Pinot Noir – Single block of estate 27yr old vines, planted to marine sedimentary (Willakenzie) soil over Cowlitz formation sandstone with vein of embedded volcanic ash. Block was named after their daughter who was born the same year the vines were planted. Hand harvested, 5-7 day cold maceration (20% whole cluster). Ambient yeast fermentation. Pigeage & punch down by hand twice per day for about 18 days. 8 months barrel aging (50% New French Oak, 50% 2-4 year old) with one racking prior to assemblage. 2021 – 148cs produced