Husband-and-wife wine reviewers Nathan and Courtney Marton of Winery Reflections just shared their thoughts on the ALMOST SOLD OUT 2023 Rhapsody Pinot Blanc. Sourced from Weinberg Vineyard in the Lower Long Tom AVA (one of the newest in the Willamette Valley), we originally released just 47 cases and are down to a scant handful left.
Based in Southern California, Nathan and Courtney always have the nicest things to say. They paid us a visit in person many years ago and actually made a return trip a few months ago to taste through the latest wines in person, which was a blast. For those who aren’t quite sure whether or not they really do like our Pinot Blanc, you can read all their reviews of previous vintages, including 2018, 2019 2020, and 2021.
Here’s their review of the 2023 Rhapsody:
Courtney and Nathan Marton of Winery Reflections in the Bells Up estate vineyard.
Terrifically tart and thirst-quenching blasts of freshly-squeezed lime, peach skin, yellow plum, and grapefruit juice lead a radiantly bright and zesty attack beautifully underlaid with subtle herbal character of parsley and pine. Wafts of elderflower, citrus blossom, and daisy softly add dainty floral elements enhanced by a hint of ginger-led spice. Notes of morning dew and sea salt gently make their presence felt adding a thread of clean coastal earthiness to the fresh and spunky display.
Attractively crisp and refreshing on the palate with nice depth present alongside beaming electricity; exhibiting a thoroughly energetic yet well balanced presentation that is unique and interesting yet still terrifically refreshing. Light bodied and brimming with gorgeous acidity. This 2023 “Rhapsody” Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc by Bells Up Winery is a pretty yet zesty white from Oregon.
Despite being unquestionably the least popular member of the Pinot family, Pinot Blanc is a variety capable of producing delicious wines when handled with the same care and intentionality as its more famous siblings. This bottling, crafted by Bells Up Winery using Pinot Blanc grown at the Weinberg Vineyard in the Lower Long Tom sub-region of the Southern Willamette Valley, is an exciting and characterful example of the potential of this unheralded grape.
This radiates with lively citrus and stone fruits complimented by clean herbal tones, subtle floral notes, mild spiciness, and clean minerality. It is delicious in its current state and ready to drink immediately, yet will hold well for at least a few years. Yum.
