International Wine Report Reviews Three New Bells Up Pinot Noir Releases

Senior Editor Jeremy Young of International Wine Report recently asked us to send him three of our latest Pinot Noir releases, so we did. Jeremy and Winemaker Dave tasted together via Zoom call, which allowed Dave to explain the intention behind the composition of 2021 Candide, 2021 Maestro, and 2021 Jupiter.

Jeremy joined International Wine Report’s editorial team in 2020. Based in Seattle, he focuses on Washington, Oregon and Santa Barbara wines, with an additional interest in Italian and German wines. Jeremy recently received his WSET3 with Distinction from the WSET Wine and Spirits Education Trust. He brings a fresh perspective to his wine reviews, having visited practically every major wine region in the world in just a few years.

Jeremy Young’s Reviews of Bells Up Pinots

BELLS UP Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains ‘Candide’ Reserve 2021

The 2021 Candide Reserve Pinot Noir from Bells Up rested 12 months in 36% new French oak barrels. Fruit comes from mostly Wadenswil clones grown on Jory soils but with about 20% Pommard mixed in. Sporting a medium ruby core with a lighter purple rim, it boasts spicy, peppery, and pine forest tones on the nose. Bigger and bolder in stature than its siblings with plush flavors of boysenberries, dried roses, pink peppercorns, cedary herbs, and toasted cinnamon sticks. It reveals crunchy tannins and an elegant, stony, meaty mouthfeel on the finish. A small production of 64 cases were made. Drink 2024-2034. 93 Points.


BELLS UP Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains ‘Maestro’ Reserve 2021

The 2021 Maestro Reserve Pinot Noir from Bells Up is a mélange of 50% 943 clones with the rest split between 667 and 113. Aged for 12 months in only 6% new French oak, it showcases a glimmering ruby-purple core with a light pink rim in the glass. Playing well on the high side of the palate with those lovely flavors of cedary herbs, red cherries, strawberries, red plum skin, dusty country road, and black tea leaves. Tannins are plush and wonderfully integrated and I loved the herbal note on the back palate on the finish. Just 77 cases produced. Drink 2024-2032. 94 Points.


BELLS UP Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains ‘Jupiter’ 2021

Aged for 12 months in 41% new French oak barrels, the 2021 Jupiter Pinot Noir from Bells Up is my favorite of the bunch. Grown in 100% Jory soils and all estate-grown fruit, it gifts a glorious ruby-blue core with a neon pink rim with bountiful aromas of red and black cherries, raspberry liqueur, candied violet petals, baked wet earth that spill from the glass. It starts off elegant across the tongue and then ends strong and plush with a blueberry and sweet spice finish. 154 cases made. Drink 2024-2034. 95 Points.


All three of these Pinot Noirs are available now. To sample, call 503.537.1328 and book a private tasting experience with Winemaker Dave.

Bells Up Winery | 27895 NE Bell Road | Newberg, Oregon 97132 | 503.537.1328 | info@bellsupwinery.com

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