We recently secured a rare parcel of 1994 Bethel Heights Southeast Block Reserve Pinot Noir from a reputable distributor who represents some of Oregon’s finest producers. These bottles have been professionally cellared for over two decades. Last month, we had the rare opportunity to taste through a lineup of well-aged, single-site Pinots from Eola-Amity Hills, Dundee Hills, and Yamhill-Carlton. It was the 1994 Bethel Heights that we kept returning to. Its vitality, depth, and seamless evolution make it not just a survivor of time but a benchmark for what Oregon Pinot Noir can achieve with patience and perfect storage.
The Southeast Block Reserve is widely regarded as one of Oregon’s reference-point Pinot Noirs—a wine that consistently delivers structure, complexity, and age-worthiness. Grown on a six-acre slope of volcanic red clay in the Eola-Amity Hills, this block produces wines with sinewy muscle and dark fruit intensity. While the neighboring Flat Block leans toward elegance, the Southeast Block speaks in deeper tones—black cherry, iron, and spice. The 1994 Reserve, drawn from the estate’s best barrels, is a pinnacle expression of both site and vintage.
This professionally cellared library bottling is offered at a price that comes in below the winery’s current release on a multiple-bottle purchase. Provenance is guaranteed, and quantities are extremely limited. For serious collectors, sommeliers, or anyone who understands the quiet power of a wine that’s aged with grace and intention, this is a rare opportunity to own a true Oregon classic.
Within 15 to 20 minutes in the glass, the wine begins to unfurl with evocative aromas of woodsy dried red fruits, forest floor, and crushed violets. The palate is layered and expressive, offering a vibrant mix of cranberry, dried cherry, dried mushroom, cola nut, sarsaparilla, and a subtle infusion of Ceylon tea. Tannins are beautifully resolved, acidity remains lively, and the finish is long, echoing, and deeply satisfying. A savory umami note emerges on the tail end—reminiscent of a finely aged Gran Reserva Rioja—adding a final touch of complexity and grace. This is no cherry pie explosion in the glass, but an amalgam of spice and earth. Seekers of long-aged Barolo, Barbaresco, Red Burgundy, and Gran Reserva Rioja need to hop on board.
Recommendation: Use a Durand corkscrew for optimal extraction. If the cork shows signs of crumbling, decant gently through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to preserve clarity and integrity.
Cheers and taste well!
