Bells Up winemaker Dave Specter during a previous visit back in 2019 with wine writer and international wine judge Ellen Landis and her husband Ken.
Certified sommelier, wine writer, and international wine judge Ellen Landis again agreed to review three of our new releases (which she’s done several times before, as well as written a feature about us for Great Northwest Wine). We were thrilled to see her new reviews of the 2021 Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, the 2021 Rhapsody Pinot Blanc, and the 2020 Jupiter Estate Pinot Noir.
She recently posted her reviews in a piece entitled “Stimulating New Releases from Willamette Valley’s Bells Up Winery.” Here’s what she had to say…
2021 Prelude Rosé of Pinot Noir: The sparkling light-to-medium ruby hue shows off brilliant clarity, and the wine kicks off with an alluring spiced cherry nose. Juicy, bright and well balanced on the palate as Sweetheart cherries, red raspberries and savory berry compote notes are joined by brisk acidity. Hints of mandarin orange linger on the energetic finish.
2021 Rhapsody Pinot Blanc: This floral scented gem gets your motor running at first whiff. The entry leads off with creamy pears and citrus blossom, and the wine broadens as it hits mid-palate with juicy McIntosh apples, gentle spice, and blanched almonds melding in harmony. Lovely textural qualities and fine balance carry the wine to a spirited finale.
2020 Jupiter Estate Pinot Noir: The fragrance of a bowlful of red and black fruits, and hints of earthiness provide a perfect segue to the elegant wine that follows. Smooth and mouthfilling as flavors of fresh picked Lapin cherries, black raspberry coulis, anise seed, mushrooms, and well managed oak notes create a finely tuned melody on the palate. Silky tannins and bracing acidity keep the wine in ideal balance. And the finish, well it just keeps on delivering, long after the last sip!
