We just discovered that wine writer Margot Sinclair Savell and her husband Dave Savell included 2020 Helios Seyval Blanc on their list of “Favorite 50 Wines in 2021.” The couple, who review wine and spirits on their site Write for Wine – It’s Wine O’Clock Somewhere, also included 2020 Helios on their list of the top 20 sparkling, white, and red wines that they particularly enjoyed in 2021. (The Seattle-based pair visited this past summer and published these wine reviews.)
About their Favorite 50 list, they write: “As we began 2022, we compiled a list of our favorite 50 wines in 2021. And what a year it was! First, we finally took some short road trips to Washington and Oregon wine countries. For example, we drove to Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, Carlton and Willamette Valley. Next, we also enjoyed many wonderful wines at home or with friends. Therefore, this list exemplifies the favorite 50 wines that we tasted last year. In other words, you might have other favorites, which we have not tasted. That’s the beauty of having so much wonderful wine available in the world.”
2020 Helios is listed in their “Favorite Champagne, Sparkling and White Wine” category.
In her Holiday Wines article, Margot wrote:
Bells Up Helios Seyval Blanc 2020 ($40 – Oregon)
This is a big cult wine among Bells Up fans. Count us in. We love the citrus and pineapple flavors laced with minerality. Find the 2021 in the spring.
In case you’re wondering, here’s what she originally wrote…
2020 Helios Seyval Blanc – We also took home this wine, which is our favorite in the lineup. Bells Up is the only winery in the Willamette Valley to plant Seyval, and only the second in Oregon. Named for Carl Nielsen’s “Helios Overture, Opus 18,” this is a big cult wine among Bells Up fans. Count us in. We love the citrus and pineapple flavors laced with minerality. Pair it with seafood, fish tacos or pasta with white sauce. This vintage is sold out but the 2021 will be available next spring. Mark your calendars!
We, of course, are delighted and honored that Margot and Dave enjoyed the Estate Seyval Blanc enough to include it in this impressive list!
