2022 Maestro *NEW RELEASE*
Estate Reserve Pinot Noir ∞ Chehalem Mountains AVA
97 cases produced. $58
This estate Reserve Pinot Noir honors Maestro John Williams, whose beloved cinematic scores — featuring multiple French Horn themes — have moved audiences for seven decades. Maestro is composed to highlight the high-toned characteristics of Dijon clone 943, which is exceedingly rare in the Willamette Valley. The 2022 vintage has 50% 943 blended with 25% 667, 12.5% Pommard, and 12.5% 113, all grown in volcanic Jory soil. The resulting Maestro displays its trademark “soaring shape” on the palate, with a bright, elegant quality and red-fruit flavors—complemented by a balanced structure and 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
Jeremy Young, International Wine Report | [2022 Maestro] displays a medium ruby-orange core that transitions into a delicate, light pink rim. The aromatics are immediately expressive, leading with an aromatic pop of gingerbread spice before unfurling into layers of mountain blueberries, candied huckleberries, potpourri, and warm summer spices. On the medium-bodied palate, the blue-fruited profile deepens alongside notes of burnt orange peel and refined spice, all held together by moderate acidity and a finish that lingers with impressive length. Drink 2026-2034. 93 Points.
James Melendez, James the Wine Guy | [2022 Maestro offers] an attractive bouquet of potpourri, black cherries, sandalwood violets, and freshly ground spices. Fresh and lively wine, well-integrated tannins, bright acidity showing black cherry, espresso, cracked pepper, a savory core, and a long, mineral-driven finish. 94 Points.
TECHNICAL NOTES