Bethel Heights

Last weekend, while visiting and entertaining with Betty, we went to deliver some tomatoes to Marilyn Webb at Bethel Heights.  While the Eola~Amity Hills AVA is at the top of my favorite Oregon AVAs list, it had been about six or seven years since I’ve tasted anything from Bethel Heights.

The wine is made from estate fruit and was founded in the late seventies as a partnership between the Dudley and Casteel families.  Marilyn has been married to Terry Casteel for decades.  Roughly five years ago, Ted Casteel, Terry’s twin brother, planted a vineyard expansion right next to the Elton Vineyard.  Bethel Heights grows and produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris on Nekia and marine sediment soils.  http://www.bethelheights.com/place/

When I moved away from the Willamette Valley, Bethel Heights had under rated wines and the prices reflected that.  When Marilyn asked us to stay and taste, of course we said yes!  Let me tell you, a lot has changed over there since I was there last.  The whites program, especially.  Can you say $95.00 Chardonnay?  Oh my.  The High Wire was exceptionally bright and the finish just kept going and going without being heavy.

The Pinots were sophisticated and very distinct from each other.  But they grow many of the clones I love…667, 114, and Wadenswil.  I’ll admit, I’m partial.   (sorry about the glare on the bottles)

We brought home the 2017 Pinot Noir rose….I have a rose problem….and the 2014 Estate Chardonnay, which was juicy and oaked *just* enough.  One day, when I’m all grown up and wealthy beyond measure, I’ll go back and grab a bottle of The High Wire.  And The Casteel Pinot Noir.  Ok, and the Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir.  If you insist.