Currently featured in the tasting room, our three 2017 Pinot Noirs — Titan, Candide, and Villanelle — were recently reviewed by Dr. Owen Bargreen, wine writer and Level 2 Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers (seen at right with Winemaker Dave when he dropped in for a quick visit last summer) on Washington Wine Blog. In particular, the Villanelle was a standout to him, as he writes:
These are lighter style Pinot Noirs with excellent finesse and elegance… I really enjoyed their 2017 Bells Up ‘Villanelle’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 91) which is elegant and has great acidity and range, with nice salty tones.
Here’s what he says:
2017 Bells Up ‘Titan’ Pinot Noir – The 2017 ‘Titan’ Pinot Noir was sourced from two Willamette Valley vineyards. Pretty guava and candied red cherry fill the nose alongside some lighter peat moss undertones. The palate is delicate and nicely textured with layers of light red fruits with kumquat zest and rose water that connect with mineral and earthy accents. Drink 2020-2027 – 90
2017 Bells Up ‘Villanelle’ Reserve Pinot Noir – The Bells Up ‘Villanelle’ is sourced from the Tonnelier Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The nose shows good brightness with orange zest and red cherry candy that combine with shades of damp earth that all take shape in the glass. The palate has good freshness with a silky mouthfeel. Elegant and linear, this shows red currants and guava puree flavors alongside shades of black tea and forest floor. The salty, savory aspects of this wine are seriously good, producing mouth-watering acidity that adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2020-2030 – 91
2017 Bells Up ‘Candide’ Reserve Pinot Noir – The 2017 Bells Up ‘Candide’ Pinot Noir was sourced from the Nemarniki Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA and is a really good release by the talented former lawyer, Dave Specter. Fresh, vibrant and full of bright acidity, while this might be a bit lean for some, the length and elegance of the wine, with its pretty red fruits and saline driven terroir, cannot be denied. High-toned and fantastic to enjoy in its youth, I can see this cellaring well over the next decade — but why wait? Drink 2020-2028 – 91
