Nathan and Courtney Marton of Winery Reflections recently reviewed our 2020 New World Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and we are THRILLED that they enjoyed it so much. The Southern California-based pair have been enthusiastic supporters and reviewers our wines for many years (they even visited us back in 2019). But we’re still always a little nervous when we send them samples (or send anyone samples for that matter).
As always, we are incredibly humbled by what they had to say. Here’s what they wrote:
Courtney and Nathan Marton of Winery Reflections in the Bells Up estate vineyard.
An energetic yet thoroughly dense core of black cherry, mulberry, spiced cranberry, blueberry, and licorice leads an expressive and irresistibly lively display packed with fragrant floral tones of rose, lavender, and carnations. Notes of eucalyptus, fallen leaves, and red bell pepper gently contribute well-integrated organic complexity that seamlessly intertwines with herbal suggestions of anise, rosemary, sage, and mint. Hints of roasted coffee bean, toffee, and dark chocolate contribute just a pinch of balanced decadence while mild wafts of cigar tobacco, dark minerality, and smoke provide a lightly rugged twist.
Surprisingly lifted and aromatic on the nose with a palate that is rich and layered yet still immaculately smooth and elegant; exhibiting a surprisingly restrained and classically-styled presentation that is pretty and poised while possessing delicate power and excellent concentration. Medium-plus bodied with elevated yet soft tannin backed by tense acidity. This 2020 “New World” Summit View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon by Bells Up Winery is a unique and highly compelling red from the Walla Walla Valley.
While they are based out of the Willamette Valley where they work primarily with Pinot Noir, our friends at Bells Up Winery have recently been sourcing different varieties from other areas of Oregon and have had tremendous success applying Pinot-like stylings to other grapes. This bottling, crafted using Cabernet Sauvignon grown at the Summit View Vineyard on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley, is an impressive example of what is possible when a Pinot-focused winemaker applies their skills to making Cabernet.
This brilliantly shines with a juicy yet rich medley of black, blue, and red fruits that are concentrated yet still impressively weightless, and it backs them with gorgeously aromatic floral tones, forest-led organic character, complex herbs, rugged smokiness, and just a bit of chocolaty charm. It is approachable today with a modest decant yet boasts the structure to age for decades, and is sure to impress those who enjoy finesse, balance, and restraint. Wow.
