Dr. Michael Apstein, who has written about wine for more than 30 years, recently agreed to sample five of our current vintages. Having previously featured us after a visit a few years ago, he shared his thoughts on each on his own wine review website, “Apstein on Wine.”
Dr. Michael Apstein reviews wines for his own site and for Wine Review Online. (Photo courtesy of ApsteinOnWine.com.)
Who is Michael Apstein?
Apstein, who has produced more than 300 wine columns for The Boston Globe newspaper, has also been published in a variety of U.S., Canadian, and U.K. publications. Among them are Decanter, Decanter Premium, Quench Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Magazine, Wine and Spirits, The Wine News, and The Tasting Panel Magazine. He also judges frequently at international and national wine competitions, teaches courses on wine, and is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Apstein’s Reviews of Bells Up Wines
Apstein reviewed five of our latest releases.
Bells Up Winery, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Blanc “Rhapsody” 2023
Bells Up Winery, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir “Titan” 2021
Bells Up Winery, Chehalem Mountains (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir “Jupiter” Estate 2021
Apstein: Dave Specter, the owner of Bells Up gives all of their wines musical references because he was a French horn player for decades. Despite a similar stated alcohol to Candide, 13.5 percent, the Jupiter (think Mozart’s Symphony #41) bottling is weightier, displaying rich, black fruit notes intertwined with a charming minerality. It does exhibit the same suave texture and polished, fine tannins that mark all of the Bells Up Pinot Noirs. The interplay of black fruit and savory notes continue into its long, bright finish. It sings like a great tenor. The silky texture means it is a joy to drink now. Think grilled salmon. 96
Bells Up Winery, Chehalem Mountains (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir “Candide” Estate Reserve 2021
Apstein: Named for Leonard Bernstein’s operetta, Candide, this mid-weight, 13.6 percent stated-alcohol, Pinot Noir delivers bright red crunchy fruit with more than a delightful hint of accenting spicy savory notes. Lip smacking acidity keeps it fresh. It grows in the glass so don’t rush it. Like great music, the more you listen, the more you hear, so take your time. 94
Bells Up Winery, Chehalem Mountains (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir “Maestro” Estate Reserve 2021
All of these wines are currently available and ready for fall shipping or in-person pick up.
Want to Sample These Releases?
Book a private tasting experience hosted by Winemaker Dave — exclusively for one group at a time — by calling the winery at 503-537-1328 and Sara will get you set up.
