Kicking off our series of Oregon wines, we started with this inviting Rosé that is as gorgeous in the glass as it is on the tongue. The 2021 Bells Up Winery Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir first captures the eye with the stunning reddish hue, darker than many other Pinot Noir rosé on the market. It was intriguing and immediately mouth-watering. We tasted this wine both on its own merit and with food (which is unusual for us, but we had to prove a point to ourselves). With ample time in the glass, we began swirling and collecting pleasant, but not overpowering, aromas of strawberry and pomegranate. The fruit is more noticeable on the palate and the acid is in check and doesn't even begin to overpower this easy-drinking wine. The finish is subtle and enjoyable. While we don't always taste wines with food, there was something here that was urging us to do so. We tasted this with a variety of salty cheeses and the pairing was absolutely incredible. This is definitely a "food" wine and one of the best Rosé of Pinot Noir that we have tasted in recent memory.
Chehalem Mountains, OR
Production: 101 Cases
Suggested retail price: $28.00
Drink The Bottles score: 92/100
