2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc

The 2021 Bells Up Winery Rhapsody Pinot Blanc wine from this small, family-owned winery is our second introduction of unique and flavorful wines from David and Sara Specter.  Pinot Blanc is not a dominant varietal and if you haven't tried it, this is the one you need to get.  Aged on lees for six months, this has a fuller body feel than many white Pinot grape varieties and the terroir of Willamette Valley is evident by the wet stone, crisp fruit flavors and dollops of soy sauce lurking in the background.  There is just the right amount of baking spices mid palate and a memorable finish that includes a noticeable acidity and mineral notes.  We love when you taste a wine and just smile from ear to ear, knowing that you've discovered a fun, memorable bottle.  This wine is drinking very well right now and should for another 4-5 years.  

Medium golden color and very fragrant.

We generally don't taste wines (when reviewing) with food.  After we scribed our thoughts on paper we could just tell that this Pinot Blanc would be a great wine to compliment a snack.  We tasted this with popcorn from Northern Neck Popcorn Bag and the pairing was a-MAZ-ing!

ABV:  12.9%

Willamette Valley, OR

Production:  114 Cases

Suggested retail price:  $32.00

Drink The Bottles score:  91/100

 

2016 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

When I think of amazing Pinot Noir, I think big bucks.  I think hard-to-find, impossible-to-get and out of my price range.  Well, that's what I used to think.  About 7 years ago I was turned onto the  wines of Willamette Valley in Oregon and like a boy with his first crush, I was quickly smitten.  Anytime you can find a gem in the store, pick one up, even if know little about the wine.  These Pinot Noir are generally top notch and seldom disappoint because most are 100% Pinot (and that's what you should look for).  The 2016 Adelsheim shows the typically beautiful medium blue-purple color in the glass and the aromas of raspberry and cocoa powder are most noticeable.  The mouthfeel is light and welcoming and the raspberry is joined with dried cranberries and baking spices.  This wine is very silky and has very low tannin.  With over 12,000 cases produced, you shouldn't have any trouble picking up 3 or 4 bottles for yourself!  This would pair great with a fatty fish dish.  Enjoy!

ABV:  13.5%

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Suggested retail price:  $30.00

Drink The Bottles score:  92/100