Beaux Freres

Beaux Freres
15155 NE North Valley Rd
Newberg, Oregon
USA 97132
Phone: (503) 537-1137
http://www.beauxfreres.com/

Contact: Rebecca Bellingham
Email: [email protected]

Since our first vintage in 1991, the Beaux Frères philosophy remains the same; to produce a world-class Pinot Noir from small, well-balanced yields and ripe, healthy fruit that represents the essence of our vineyard. In pursuit of these goals, the Beaux Frères Vineyard is planted with tightly spaced vines, and yields are kept to some of the lowest in our industry. The grapes are harvested when physiologically (rather than analytically) ripe. Our winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention with clean fermentations utilizing indigenous yeast. The wines are stored in French oak for 10 to 12 months adjusting the percentage of new oak to compliment the wine the vintage has given us. Beaux Frères is never racked until it is removed from barrel for bottling, which occurs without fining or filtration.

These non-manipulative, uncompromising methods guarantee a wine that is the most natural and authentic vineyard expression possible. Previous vintages demonstrate that these methods also allow our Beaux Frères to develop significant perfume, weight, and texture in the bottle.

In 1986 while on vacation, Michael Etzel came upon an 88-acre pig farm for sale located on Ribbon Ridge in the Northern Willamette Valley, Yamhill County, Oregon. After some deliberation, Michael purchased the farm with his brother-in-law, Robert Parker, Jr. Michael uprooted his young family from Colorado and moved to the farm the following summer. He began his focused pursuit as a vineyard manager by planting only Pinot Noir and slowly transforming the old pig and dairy farm into his jewel.

While planting his own vineyard, Michael worked four harvests at Ponzi Winery. In 1990, Michael harvested his first crop and sold the grapes, except enough to make one barrel, to winemakers Ken Wright and Dick Ponzi. In 1991 with the addition of a third partner Robert Roy, a renovation of one of the barns led to the creation of Beaux Frères Winery. With each new vintage, Michael's efforts unveil a Pinot Noir that is the purest expression of his vineyard.

Robert Parker, Jr. is one of three owners in Beaux Frères vineyard and winery. His interest in the property was spurred by his brother-in-law, Michael Etzel, who discovered the property in 1986. Robert lives in Maryland with his wife Pat, Michael's older sister, their daughter Maia, and various Basset hounds and Bulldogs. For twenty-four years, he has the written and published the independent wine journal The Wine Advocate and authored twelve best-selling books on wine. Robert never reviews Beaux Frères for his publications, but you will find his imprint in the winery's tasting notes, and more importantly, in the philosophy that governs Beaux Frères and its pursuit of excellence.

Robert Roy was approached in 1991 to become a partner in Beaux Frères, and as a result the original partners were able to realize their dreams to build a winery and create their own Pinot Noir label. Robert's business and financial management expertise is an invaluable addition to Beaux Frères Winery.

Roy's success as a commercial developer and Civil Engineer for over 30 years has allowed him to pursue some of his own dreams. Roy has spent his spare time in Boca Raton, Florida enjoying sunny skies and year-round golfing. Not only is Roy an avid golfer, but also he is passionate about wine. Embracing his early interests in wine has led Roy to France, where he has developed friendships with a variety of producers and growers of some of the country's most distinguished entrepreneurs. Currently, with the family development firm in the hands of his two sons, Roy has more time to devote to his family, pursue his love of travel, and serve as Beaux Frères's Finance Director, in which his contribution continues to provide the necessary leadership to its financial success.

Winemaker: Michael Etzel

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