2022 Jupiter *NEW RELEASE*
Estate Pinot Noir ∞ Chehalem Mountains AVA
158 cases produced. $52 | MAGNUM $130
Bells Up’s estate Pinot Noir, Jupiter is named for both Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” orchestral suite and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter.” The 2022 vintage is composed of of 55% Heritage clone Pommard and 18% Dijon clone 667 (8-year vines) plus 27% Dijon clone 113 (6-year vines). The resulting 2022 Jupiter displays its trademark “water ski ramp shape” on the palate, with an elegant, earthy quality and red-fruit flavors—complemented by sufficient acidity to enrich its mouthfeel.
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
Nathan & Courtney Marton, Winery Reflections | Crisp Bing cherry, freshly-picked pomegranate, navel orange, and wild blueberry dance with supple yet ethereal delight as dainty floral tones of rose petal and hibiscus gleefully enhance aromatics. Hints of pine needle and morel mushroom gently reveal a range of clean forest tones overlaid by subtle baking spices of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Notes of iron and broken-in leather softly expose intriguing savory underpinnings as glimmers of coastal fog and stony minerality provide a delicate glimpse of terroir. Gorgeously complex, characterful, and layered on both the nose and the palate with impressive depth and precision present despite enticing weightlessness; exhibiting a serious and structured yet approachable presentation that evolves in the glass with each passing minute. Medium bodied with elevated yet soft tannin backed by bright acidity. This bursts from the glass with a cornucopia of fresh red, blue, and citrus fruits enhanced by pretty floral character, attractive forest notes, well-integrated barrel spice, and pristine earthy charms. Although delicious today this is a wine built to age and should evolve positively in the cellar for at least a decade. Outstanding.
Jeremy Young, International Wine Report | [2022 Jupiter] presents a brilliant jeweled ruby core that transitions to a delicate pink rim. The aromatics are immediately arresting, offering a complex bouquet of crushed purple flowers and Bing cherries intertwined with notes of strawberry fruit leather and warm Christmas spice. On the medium-bodied palate, a savory character emerges through scorched orange peel, lemony herbs, and refined black tea tones, all supported by precision acidity and a finish defined by a unique interplay of earth and spice. Drink 2026-2034. 93 Points.
James Melendez, James the Wine Guy | [2022 Jupiter’s] nose is expressive of wild red and black bramble fruit layered with sweet spices, violets, and fresh herbs. Vibrant acidity framing the blackberry fruit, baking spices, a lift of red pepper, finely ground spices on a persistent finish. 93 Points.
TECHNICAL NOTES