Earlier this year we were thrilled to host photographer and wine writer Elaine Luxton for a private tasting experience. Luxton, who blogs under Drink In Life and publishes her photography under her Instagram account, Drink In Nature Photography, took a short trip to visit the Willamette Valley and subsequently posted a lovely feature about her experience.
To celebrate the arrival of summer, Luxton recently posted “A Summer Fling in the Garden with Rosé.” In it, she highlighted several Oregon and Washington Rosés, writing:
Pinot Noir Rosé from Oregon is a desirable, eloquent wine that is easy to love. Do not however consider it a singular wine because Pinot Noir Rosé comes in a wide array of styles. Although the majority of the Rosé produced from Oregon is Pinot Noir, the grapes being used from 8+ AVA Pinot Noir terriors ensures that each is unique in color, aroma and flavor.
We were honored to be included among the wines she featured. Here’s what she had to say about our 2018 Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, which she describes as “A perfect Rosé to sip on the front porch” (the caption of her photo above):
I was really excited to finally have the opportunity to visit Bells Up Winery in Newberg, after corresponding with Sara Specter and her husband Dave for over a year. When they sat down with me and poured their 2018 Prelude Rosé I knew instantly that I was in for a treat. The deep pink color, almost a translucent red was just beautiful and when I was given a Sample to bring home, I knew that I would be saving this ‘Prelude’ for something special.
This is Bells Up wineries Second Estate Wine release, made with Estate Vineyard Chehalem Mountains AVA grapes. The 2018 Bells Up Prelude is like a sunny summer day picnic in a bottle. All of the flavors of a picnic in each sip, like a blanket laid out with strawberries, watermelon and pink lemonade. A well balanced Rosé with citrus undertones and a dry finish. This musical Rosé was named for Franz Liszt’s “Symphonic Poem No. 3: Les Preludes” and will be a Romantic Era addition to any summer picnic. I’m going to pretend that this is the end of an Opera Aria (and not a Symphony score) and give a loud hearty “BRAVO” to this Prelude.
Ready to add 2018 Prelude Estate Rosé to your collection? There are a few cases left in stock, and Sara’s also pouring samples during Patton Valley Vineyard’s 2019 Drink Pink Rosé Festival next Saturday, July 13 from Noon-4 p.m. (tickets are nearly sold out!). To reserve your bottles, contact us at the winery at info@bellsupwinery.com or call 503-537-1328 and we’ll be happy to set some aside for you.
