Welcome to Bell Wine Cellars
Bell Wine Cellars is committed to handcrafting limited edition bottlings of
extraordinary wines that reflect the terroir of their vineyards
and the care and passion of their growers.
What's New
Ka-Bloom! April showers bring May flowers, including Chardonnay blossoms opening up this week.
May can be a mixed bag when it comes to weather. Frost season officially continues through the end of the month, but so far, this has been one of the warmest and driest springs we’ve ever had. Vineyard manager Mike Neal mentioned to Anthony that some vineyards have already started to irrigate in order to keep moisture around the tender surface roots. Surface hydration is important this time of year and there is none to be had. Rain, mist might be the better term, last occurred on April 7th . . .
Latest Reviews
- Best of Class - 2010 Cabernet Napa Valley
- Gold Medal - 2011 Sauvignon blanc
- Silver Medal - 2011 Chardonnay
- Silver Medal - 2010 Merlot
- Silver Medal - 2009 Syrah, Canterbury Vineyard
- 90 Points - Bell 2009 Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
A very nice wine that shows the smooth, complex tannin structure, ripe fruit and dry balance you'd want from a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. You'll like the blackberry, cherry and cedar flavors, enhanced by touches of dried herb and cocoa. Drink now-2015 for fruity freshness. -S.H. - 86 Points - Bell 2009 Merlot, Yountville
The cool vintage in this southerly part of Napa Valley has produced a wine that's dry, acidic and lacking in richness, especially for Merlot, a variety that's supposed to be voluptuous. There's a green-olive vegetativeness alongside the cherry note that even 100% new oak barrel aging can't mask. -S.H. - 88 Points - Bell 2008 Canterbury Vineyard, Syrah, Sierra Foothills
Tannic and brooding in its big-boned structure, this high-elevation-grown Syrah will please Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers in its upfront oak and herb overtones. But it remains true to its varietal roots, offering bright Bing cherry, black plum and licorice, complete with loads of earthiness and ground pepper. -V.B. - 85 Points - Bell 2011 Chardonnay, Yountville
This tastes sweet and creamy, with buttered toast, buttered popcorn and tropical fruit flavors. It's made in the modern style, and despite its shortcomings, it will appeal to many Chardonnay fans. -S.H.
2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide,
December 2012
- 91 Points -
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
'Lush and bright with tangy plum, raspberry and notes of mocha and vanilla; supple. fresh and bursting with fruit; balanced, long and stylish.' - 88 Points - 2011 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County
'Smooth and bright with juicy apple and citrus fruit; tangy and clean with pure, bracing flavors.' - 89 Points -
2008 Syrah, Canterbury Vineyard, Sierra Foothills
'Dense and smooth with ripe plum and black raspberry fruit; lush, rich and intense; long and nicely structured.' - 90 Points -
2009 Claret, Napa Valley
'Smooth and ripe with plum, juicy blackberry and ripe, tangy acidity; fresh, round and focused with lovely balance and style; long and bright.'
