2021 Helios
Estate Vineyard ∞ Chehalem Mountains AVA Seyval Blanc
64 cases produced. $38
The first and only planting of Seyval Blanc in the Willamette Valley (second in Oregon), Helios is named for Carl Nielsen’s “Helios Overture, Opus 18.” Grown in Bells Up’s vineyard, this hybrid wine grape is found mainly in the Midwest – our former home – and East Coast. Although unrelated to Sauvignon Blanc, Helios shares many similarities in flavor and texture.
TECHNICAL NOTESNOSE: Quince jam, citrus, oyster shell, cured meats, aged Manchego cheese, citrus blossom, fresh earth.
PALATE: Zingy and bright with mid-palate creaminess, well balanced acid and a long finish. Hints of tropical fruits, grapefruit, pineapple, and salinity.
Owen Bargreen’s Review: Seyval Blanc might be one of the most unknown varieties grown in Oregon as Bells Up planted these estate vines back in spring 2015. Nutty and earthy tones combine aromatically with shades of gooseberry. The palate is finesse-driven and nicely textured, as this finishes very long with damp earth and bright melon and citrus fruits. Drink 2022-2026 – 91
Kathleen Willcox’s Review: Made from the first planting of Seyval Blanc in the Willamette Valley, this hybrid has so much potential across the country, both in terms of hardiness and pure delight. This version is a sharp, shimmering knife, green apples and lemons, hay, flint, pineapple.
AdVINEtures’ Review: This wine is made from the aromatic grape variety Seyval Blanc. This reminded us of a Sauvignon Blanc with its grapefruit flavours or perhaps a Grüner Veltliner with its body and high acid combination. Hints of lemon/lime infuse the aromatic profile. Flavours of pear and golden delicious apple gain added complexity from the mineral streak on the finish. Crisp and refreshing. Very Good+
Dave Nershi’s (Vino-Sphere/Screw It Wine) Review: Bells Up has the first and only Seyval Blanc planting in Willamette Valley (second in Oregon). The variety is found mainly in the Midwest and East. Tropical fruit and green apples surround a swirling minerality. There is a unique flinty twang on the finish. Minimal availability of 64 cases.
WineRabble’s Review: While Seyval blanc can be easy to find elsewhere, Bells Up became just the second winery in the state to grow Seyval blanc, and the first in the Valley! In fact, due to increased demand, they’ve expanded their plantings of the grape in order to make more. Pick some up today, before it sells out! Color: fresh cream. Bouquet and Palate: Pineapple, lemongrass, lemon zest, and pineapple guava. Good acidity and a spicy ginger finish. Recommended food pairings: Chickpea croquettes; Buttery crab casseroles; and Chicken Caesar salad.
Elizabeth Smith’s Review: “Must-Try Estate Wine.” This is a homage to their former Midwest life and Dave’s amateur winemaking when he won a 2011 competition with his 2010 Seyval Blanc. It’s a zesty and minerally take on this hybrid grape variety that reminded me of Bourgogne’s lesser-known white, Aligoté.
John Compisi’s Review: The 2021 Helios smacked me in the face with its crisp, dry and high acid palate pleasing profile. It also had very good minerality and a whiff of petrol. Sort of a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Thanks to the acid, the finish was very long. It also presented a hint of orange peel and green apple. A great match for oysters or other shellfish.
Linda Compisi’s Review: This chilled wine was vivacious and luscious with aromas of green apple, some minerality and petrol reminiscent of Riesling. The flavor matches the aroma almost exactly but with an added bit of yeast. It was mouth wateringly acidic and the finish went on forever. I found that after some time in the glass, the aromas and flavors became muted and mild. Also, delicious.
