Above the Clouds

A bright and expressive Willamette Valley blend.

Above the Clouds

A bright and expressive Willamette Valley blend.

“...Bright cherry and raspberry notes, courtesy of the Dundee Hills, mingling with the darker plum and subtle savory hints characteristic of the Eola-Amity Hills. A touch of violet and fresh earth from the Chehalem Mountains adds aromatic complexity, while a grounding note of dark berry and a hint of spice from the Yamhill-Carlton provides depth.”

Varietal
Pinot Noir
Vineyards
A blend of four distinct Willamette Valley regions: Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity, Chehalem Mtns, and Yamhill-Carlton.
Tasting Notes
A darker‑styled Pinot Noir from this producer, the 2023 Above the Clouds from Benmar opens with the juicy richness of black cherry and black raspberry, warmed by cedarwood spice and enlivened by tangerine peel and grapefruit zest. The nose deepens with crushed raspberry, wild cherry and pomegranate, offset by wild herbs, rose petal and forest‑floor. On the palate, sinewy, crisp tannins support a saline‑tinged core that pulses with redcurrant, cranberry and strawberry fruit. Intense minerality and a whisper of black tea anchor the mid‑palate, while the finish drifts into cocoa‑powder, conifer and lingering brine—a hauntingly savoury, vibrant expression of high‑elevation Willamette Pinot.
Food pairing
Seafood, grilled or roast meats, root vegetables and risotto.
Wine rating
95 points Decanter
Benmar above the clouds bottle shot
95

Go further above the clouds

Inspired by the Pacific Northwest and the moments that pull us outside. The photo on this label was taken from the Jonsrud Viewpoint on our way up to a day in the snow — a place our family visits year-round. Whether we’re posting up at one of the mountain sno-parks, shredding at Mount Hood Meadows, or soaking in a warm summer hike through the evergreens, Mount Hood has always been our escape.

Above the Clouds is a tribute to those days: crisp air, big views, and that feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be. Cheers to more adventures, on the mountain and off.

Benmar Above the Clouds Pinot Noir nighttime mountain with trees

Nighttime clouds

Benmar Above the Clouds Pinot Noir sunset mountain with trees

Sunset clouds

Benmar Above the Clouds Pinot Noir sunset treescape

Sunset treescape

Benmar Above the Clouds Pinot Noir the clouds

Just the clouds

  • Benmar Above the Clouds Pinot Noir nighttime mountain with trees

    Nighttime clouds

  • Benmar Above the Clouds Pinot Noir sunset mountain with trees

    Sunset clouds

  • Benmar Above the Clouds Pinot Noir sunset treescape

    Sunset treescape

  • Benmar Above the Clouds Pinot Noir the clouds

    Just the clouds