2023 Helios
Estate Vineyard ∞ Chehalem Mountains AVA Seyval Blanc
34 cases produced. $38 SOLD OUT
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: Citrus zest, lemongrass, apple, light spring floral.
PALATE: Citrus, tropical fruits, minerality, bright acid, lingering finish.
Nathan and Courtney Marton, Winery Reflections: Brilliantly bright and juicy beams of grapefruit, shaved lemon peel, tart green apple, and underripe nectarine erupt with crisp and zesty delight within a thirst-quenching yet thought-provoking attack. Subtle hints of wild sage and sour grass tastefully impart fresh herbal bite pleasantly enhanced by floral tones of orange blossom and lily. Intriguing earthy notes of smooth river rocks provide decidedly stony minerality to enhance and complicate the pleasantly puckering fruit-driven display. Attractively light, fresh, and whimsical on the palate with surprising complexity present alongside outstanding refreshment; exhibiting a cheery and smile-inducing presentation that comes across as authentic and thoroughly unique. Light bodied and packed with gorgeous acidity.
Carl Giavanti, Wine Characters: Seyval Blanc is a hybrid grape found in upstate New York and in the midwest where Dave and Sara harken from. The Willamette Valley expression is a low-alcohol wine that opens up as it warms up and sports lemon-to-stone fruit with pleasant engaging acidity, and earthy floral notes. I love the creamy mouthfeel resultant from long lees stirring (not MLF) in the winery. This is a very good wine and I highly recommend it as a slow sipper on a summer evening (or day if that’s your thing). We ordered a serious vegetarian pizza and it paired beautifully, but don’t stop there, the wine is very versatile and we’ll next try it with a yet-to-be-determined take-out of spicy Asian food. I’m confident the Seyval Blanc will hold its own.
Cori Solomon, The Written Palette: Seyval Blanc is a variety you do not expect to find in the Willamette Valley (and the Specters have the only planting of it). It is a hybrid popular in the Midwest. Specter made wine from this varietal in Cincinnati. Visiting many Missouri wineries over the years, I am very familiar with Seyval Blanc. The Jory soils of the Willamette Valley add texture and complexity. Helios is named for Carl Nielsen’s Helios Overture, Opus 18. Like this mythical Greek God of the sun, this wine shines brilliantly in Willamette Valley. The wine offers a creamy texture with hints of citrus and tropical fruit. The wine has a viscous, bready, yeasty quality.
