Benmar Above the Clouds Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023

The 2023 Benmar “Above the Clouds” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a beautifully expressive wine that captures the essence of high-elevation Oregon Pinot. In the glass, it shows a translucent ruby hue, with aromatic lift that's immediately inviting. On the nose, layers of crushed raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate mingle with hints of rose petal, wild herbs, and forest floor, showcasing classic Willamette Valley character with an elevated sense of refinement. The palate is silky and vibrant, with bright acidity that keeps the wine fresh from start to finish. Juicy red fruit flavors—strawberry, red currant, and cranberry—are balanced by savory undertones of black tea, cedar, and subtle earth. There's a soft minerality running through the core, giving it a lifted, almost airy quality that reflects the high-altitude vineyard sourcing. Fine-grained tannins provide gentle structure without overpowering the delicate fruit tones, making this Pinot both elegant and food-friendly. What sets this wine apart is its balance—there's a clarity to the fruit, a restraint to the oak, and a graceful flow from start to finish. It's medium-bodied with moderate alcohol, allowing the varietal purity and regional terroir to shine through. Ideal for those who appreciate Oregon Pinot Noir's mix of finesse and complexity, Above the Clouds delivers a refined experience that punches well above its weight.

The 2023 Benmar “Above the Clouds” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a versatile, food-friendly wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes thanks to its bright acidity, silky texture, and layered red fruit character. For a classic pairing, try it with roast duck, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon, all of which complement the wine's earthy undertones and cherry-driven profile. It also shines with vegetarian fare like mushroom risotto, roasted beet salad, or wild mushroom tart, playing off its savory notes and light body. Soft cheeses like brie or camembert enhance the wine's smooth texture and subtle spice. For more casual fare, charcuterie boards, stuffed bell peppers, or grilled chicken with herbs make excellent matches. This Pinot's elegance and balance make it a go-to bottle for dinner parties, cozy meals, or even Thanksgiving feasts—it's a crowd-pleaser with enough nuance to satisfy discerning palates.

Benmar Wines is the creative vision of Greg Bybee, a former Vivino wine curator and longtime wine enthusiast who turned his passion into a dynamic boutique label in Oregon's iconic Willamette Valley.

Bybee spent over a decade in the wine industry, including five formative years at Rochioli Vineyards in California, where he amassed deep knowledge of premium Pinot Noir production. He then leveraged Vivino's data-driven insights to shape wines that resonate with modern drinkers—expressive, refined, and accessible.

The brand name Benmar—a blend of his children Benben and Marecca—reflects its deeply personal roots. Greg's wife Jen contributes the evocative bottle imagery, often featuring serene Pacific Northwest landscapes that speak to the spirit of the region.

Benmar produces small-lot, low-intervention wines—primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—sourced from USDA-certified organic hillside vineyards across the Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills AVAs. These high-elevation sites with Jory and volcanic soils deliver intense, aromatic fruit with elegant structure and age-worthy potential.

Their flagship wine, Into the Fog, is an organic blend from two prestigious sites: Hollis Vineyard on Chehalem Mountain and Cattrall Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills. It undergoes gentle vinification—cold soak, destemming, and 10-month élevage in French oak—and has already earned critical acclaim including 96 points from Decanter for its expressive purity, red cherry, forest floor, spice, and refined tannins.

Benmar's lineup also includes thoughtfully named micro‑lot expressions like Springbok (Yamhill-Carlton AVA), Sand Dune Chardonnay (Dundee Hills), and Alpine Lakes Pinot Noir, each showcasing site-specific fruit and California-inspired minimal intervention.

At its core, Benmar is driven by a belief that great wine should feel like an invitation, not a trophy—a philosophy manifest in wines that deliver depth, terroir expression, and value without pretense.

Though still young, the winery is swiftly gaining recognition in the wine world. With careful sourcing, precise winemaking, and strong critical reception, Benmar continues to make its mark as a boutique Oregon label offering soulful, story-rich wines for adventurous drinkers.