2022 Candide (Fanfare Club Exclusive) *NEW RELEASE*
Estate Reserve Pinot Noir ∞ Chehalem Mountains AVA
ONLY available to members of Fanfare Club.
ONLY 72 cases produced. $58
Named for Leonard Bernstein’s operetta of the same name (which was based on the 1759 novella by Voltaire), the 2021 Candide was made with Wadenswil (87%) and Pommard (10%) Heritage clones, plus a splash of Dijon Clone 113 (3%)—all from our estate vineyard. The 113 added some savoriness to a wine known for its spicy, peppery character and “fireworks shape” on the palate. The resulting wine displays an elegant, earthy quality and red-fruit flavors—complemented by sufficient acidity to enrich its mouthfeel. It showcases the spicier characteristics of Wadenswil, enhanced by the minerality and warmth imparted by our volcanic Jory soil.
The Vineyard
In 2022 we celebrated our first year of “Pinot Independence.” That is, for the first time 100% of the Pinot noir we made was sourced entirely from the Bells Up Estate vineyard, which we began planting in 2014.
The Weather
The 2022 growing season was another roller coaster ride for Willamette Valley growers. A mid-April freeze at budbreak, followed by unseasonably cool and wet May and June weather, delayed harvest into mid-October for the first time in a decade. Fortunately, our vineyard avoided frost damage to the primary buds and the resulting clusters were much larger than normal, with high seed counts per berry. Summer was milder overall, but the warmest and driest September and October on record gave the fruit the opportunity to develop the rich, complex flavors we’ve come to expect from our estate fruit.
The Reviews
Jeremy Young, International Wine Report | [2022 Candide] displays a medium ruby-orange core that transitions to a delicate, light pink rim. The aromatics lead with an inviting pop of sweet spice before evolving into a layered bouquet of mountain marionberries, sweet raspberries, potpourri, and warm allspice. On the medium-bodied palate, the fruit profile leans into redder tones, highlighted by elegant floral notes across the mid-palate and supported by moderate-plus acidity. The experience concludes with a long, savory finish that reinforces its complex structural character. Drink 2026-2034. 93 Points.
James Melendez, James the Wine Guy | [2022 Candide] is aged for 12 months in 32 percent new French Oak. In the glass, this really opens up and optimizes this experience. So, red raspberry, wild blackberry, worn suede, cardamom, as well as autumnal forest floor and fresh red rose petals. Intense mouthwatering acidity, well-woven tannins, carrying an Amarena cherry character, as well as cracked pepper, a savory core, baking spices, and a graphite edge finish. 94 Points.
TECHNICAL NOTES