Planted on a ridge top above the town of Occidental, Belay is our Demeter certified
Biodynamic® Estate Pinot Noir. Our goal is to nurture the fruit from grape to glass,
which increasingly becomes a reality with each Estate planting. As we become more
vertically integrated, we find winegrowing a monumental task akin to climbing a mountain, with the Belay serving as both an anchor and stepping stone on our journey of ascension.
In 2021, the Estate Pinot Noir showed optimum physiological maturity in early September, with full, turgid berries hand-picked in the cool, coastal morning fog. With a 16-month élevage in one-third new French oak, we chose to age a portion in puncheon to further preserve the fruit purity of this special and deeply personal site.
With bountiful brilliant red fruit notes of ripe raspberry, cherry, and cranberry, the
2021 Belay Estate Pinot Noir commands attention. Woven throughout the energetic fruit are elegant infusions of warm baking spices – vanilla, cinnamon, and star anise – along with a refined sous bois character. The expressive palate is buoyed by refreshing acidity that gently gives way to finely structured tannins, leading to a finish that captivatingly persists. While currently irresistible, the 2021 Belay will continue to mature with finesse, offering generous cellaring potential.
“The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Belay is another deep, potent wine in this range. A rush of
dark cherry, plum, sage, tobacco, incense and cloves hits the palate. This virile, imposing Pinot packs a huge punch.”
–Antonio Galloni, Vinous
93 points