Dr. Owen Bargreen popped in for a visit a couple of years ago to hang with Dave and sample some of the wines (including the Prelude rosé).
Prolific wine reviewer and Level 2 Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers Dr. Owen Bargreen, who interviewed Winemaker Dave last spring on Instagram Live, has again reviewed our latest spring releases. He shared his advance notes with us on 2021 Rhapsody Pinot Blanc, 2021 Helios Estate Seyval Blanc, and 2021 Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir ahead of publishing them on his website.
Here’s what he says:
2021 Bells Up ‘Rhapsody’ Pinot Blanc – Sourced from both the Plum Hill and Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards, this was aged on the lees for six months before bottling. The palate is soft and round with a terrific sense of mouthfeel and good veil of tension. Beeswax and green papaya flavors combine with salty undertones on the palate. Enjoy over the next few years while the good sense of freshness remains intact. Drink 2022-2026 – 90
2021 Bells Up ‘Helios’ Seyval Blanc – 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
2021 Bells Up ‘Prelude’ Rosé – Sourced from Pommard and Dijon clone 113 Pinot Noir vines, the 2021 ‘Prelude’ reveals a very bright color with a silky texture. Very nuanced and delicate red fruits greet you alongside kumquat zest and persimmon flavors with salty undertones. Complex and delicious to enjoy now, savor this at a slightly warmer temperature to revel in this Rose’s great range of flavors. Drink 2022-2026 – 91
Looking to add any of these wines to your collection? To reserve your bottles, contact us at the winery at info@bellsupwinery.com or call 503-537-1328 and we’ll be happy to set some aside for you. Additionally, 2021 Rhapsody and 2021 Prelude are currently featured in the flight enjoyed by guests during a private tasting experience hosted by Winemaker Dave.
