Our Wines
Established in 1991, Bell Wine Cellars is a small family owned winery committed to hand-crafting limited edition bottlings of extraordinary wines that best reflect the terroir of their vineyards and the care and passion of their growers. Displaying exquisite balance and produced in small lots from grapes grown in select vineyards, each varietal displays the unique flavor and personality created by the particular growing conditions nurturing each vine.
Production: 1,200 6-pack cases
Located on the Rutherford Bench in the heart of the Napa Valley, our Clone 6 vineyard is located on a well-drained, gravelly knoll. The vines receive extensive canopy management during the summer to yield intensely flavored grapes. Aged in barrel for almost two years, and given an additional 18 - 24 months bottle age, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Clone 6 is neither fined nor filtered. Supple and elegant, this wine will age beautifully for many years.
Production: 1,800 cases.
Our Napa Valley Cabernet is a Bordeaux blend. A blend of Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot grown in selected vineyards, the grapes originate from several appellations within the Napa Valley. Aged in barrel for eighteen months, and given an additional 6-12 months bottle age, this Cabernet is a blend of several Cabernet clones, and is softened with Cabernet franc and a touch of Yountville Merlot. Petit Verdot adds depth of color and great structure.
Production: 2,045 cases
Named by the English centuries ago, Claret was originally a red wine blend of the lighter Bordeaux and darker red wines from elsewhere in France . Our Napa Valley Claret is blended from select barrel lots of our Napa Cabernet. Deep ruby in color, with rich fruit aromas - including licorice, plum, and violets - on the nose. In the mouth it is lively and bright, with toasty oak flavors, supported by supple, elegant tannins. This wine is approachable now, while still having a tannin structure that allows the wine to develop for several years.
Production: 1,200 cases
Our Merlot grapes are grown primarily in the Yountville appellation. Yountville enjoys the early morning fog and cool growing conditions of the maritime influenced southern Napa Valley - resulting in luscious fruit flavors and great natural acidity. Cabernet sauvignon from Rutherford is blended to add structure to the wine. Syrah from the Canterbury Vineyard heightens fruit perception on the palate and adds depth and length to the finish. Definitely a Cabernet drinkers' Merlot!
Our Petit verdot is grown on the Massa Ranch, adjacent to the winery, in Yountville. The vineyard is certified organic (CCOF) and although the label does not state such, the wine is produced from organically grown grapes. Petit Verdot is a difficult to grow, very late ripening grape. It yields a wine deep purple in color, with aromas of earth and violets. Aging in small barrels has softened the powerful tannins yielding a beautifully integrated and balanced palate.
Our Petite Sirah grapes are grown on our neighbor's vineyard, Massa Ranch, in Yountville approximately one mile south of the Yountville Hills. The vineyard is certified organic (CCOF) and although the label does not state such, the wine is produced from organically grown grapes. The cool microclimate yields a wine dark in color, with ripe flavors of currants and plums. Grapes were crushed directly to small open top fermentors and punched down several times a day to maximize flavor and color extraction. The wine is pressed to barrel where it undergoes malo-lactic fermentation. The wine is aged in new French and American oak. Sweet oak flavors are well integrated with the fruit and tannins to yield a long supple finish.
Production: 2,500 cases
Canterbury Vineyard is situated at the 2,000-foot elevation in Calaveras County in the Sierra Foothills. Uniquely situated on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the large New Mellones Dam, this 4-acre vineyard enjoys a microclimate with warm sunny days, no fog, and moderated by cool afternoon breezes off the dam. Well-drained soils with a shallow layer of schist restrict root growth, resulting in vines yielding intensely flavored fruit. This 100% Syrah is aged in barrel for eighteen months, and given an additional 3 - 6 months bottle age before release.
Vineyard location, meticulous management and sustainable farming come together to produce our Oregon Collection - wines that exhibit not only the classic characteristics of their varietals, but also unique nuances in their flavor profiles. Our Willamette Valley Pinot noir has a deep ruby color with aromas of dark red fruits, minerals and spice that give way to smoke, earth and a rich, sweet oak palate. A core of bright acidity and fine tannins give the wine a lift into a rich fruit driven and persistent finish that is robust enough to pair well with a wide array of braised or grilled meats.
After eight years of faithfully welcoming guests to the winery, Ty (our Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier who Anthony calls "Big Guy") felt it was time to share a little secret – his own favorite wine for those lovely BBQ dinners he so enjoys. Our Big Guy Red blend pairs beautifully with spare ribs, pork tenderloins, burgers, rib eyes – you get the idea! Don't forget to share a tidbit with your faithful friend, and ENJOY! Our Big Guy Red Wine is a blend from select lots drawn from California appellations. Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Petit Verdot are blended with Syrah, a Rhone varietal. These lots display lively fruit aromas and flavors; enjoyable while young. The tannin structures will allow the wine to develop gracefully for several years.
Our Rosé has all the flavors of a red, with the bright acidity and fruit of a white wine. Our Rosé is a bone dry wine, produced by drawing unfermented Canterbury Vineyard Syrah juice from the fermentation tank 18 hours after the grapes are crushed into the tank. The deep pink color comes from the skin pigments extracted during the crushing process. A wonderful aperitif, this wine is also a delightful accompaniment to all summertime festivities and fish, poultry, and shellfish. The rich fruit flavors in particular make the wine an excellent accompaniment to Pan-Asian cuisine and spicy eastern dishes. The wine has a delightful pink color, with gorgeous floral aromas, bright fruit flavors on the palate and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Our Chardonnay is produced from vineyards in the cool Yountville appellation. Pale in color, this wine is primarily tank fermented, with the balance aged in neutral barrels. Partial malo-lactic fermentation softens the palate while allowing the wine to retain its acidity and delightful fruit flavors. This refreshing wine is the perfect food accompaniment.
The Willamette Valley is a large and climatically diverse region extending more than 150 miles from Portland to Eugene. The gently sloping, south-facing vineyards, featuring brick-red volcanic soils that drain particularly well, produce a Pinot gris with the perfect combination of minerality and appealing mouthfeel. This wine has an attractive pale straw color and is a refreshing wine with aromas of pineapple, pear and peach. The bright acidity, accentuated by citrus and tropical fruit flavors, delivers a lovely, satisfying finish that is crisp and clean.
Production: 1,200 cases
Our Sauvignon blanc is grown in Lake County, located to the north of Napa Valley and away from the fog and moisture that characterize the coastal counties. The moderate elevations found in the area contribute to the favorable growing conditions. The unique variety of soils make for a geologically rich region, heavy in volcanic and mineral content, and ideal for growing grapes. The county experiences a 50-degree differential between its daytime and nighttime temperatures, producing very warm days and cool, clear nights. The area is known for producing world-class Sauvignon blanc – with lively crisp and bright fruit flavors, which are more melony than grassy and herbal. Our Sauvignon blanc is cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain beautiful, crisp fruit flavors.
After many years of faithfully welcoming guests to the winery, Ty (our Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier whom Anthony calls “Big Guy”) shares his own favorite wine for those lovely summer evenings on the deck he so enjoys. Our Big Guy White blend pairs beautifully with a number of dishes, from light salads and seafood, to foods with a hint of spiciness such as curries or sushi. Our Big Guy White Wine is a blend that displays the fragrances of fresh fruit complemented by balanced acidity and subtle sweetness. This complexity makes it the perfect wine for the patio and the dining room table.
Sonnette - French noun, fem. Transl.- 1. bell
Production: 297 cases
Sonnette, our "little bell," is a blend of our finest lots of Bordeaux varietals, selected from some of Napa Valley's best vineyards; chosen for their concentration, depth of flavor and supple tannin structure. Rich and luscious on the palate, the elegant mouthfeel is followed by a long, textured finish of sweet oak and rich fruit. Beautifully balanced, this wine will reward those with the patience to age it.
Production: 250 cases
Our Merlot grapes are estate grown on the winery's estate vineyard located within the Yountville appellation. Yountville enjoys the early morning fog and cool growing conditions of the maritime influenced southern Napa Valley. Our warm summer daytime temperatures and cool evenings result in grapes with rich fruit flavors and an excellent acid balance. This 100% Merlot is aged in barrel for twenty months, and given an additional 6 - 9 months bottle age before release.
Production: 200 cases
Our Chardonnay grapes are grown on the winery's estate vineyard located within the Yountville appellation. Yountville enjoys the early morning fog and cool growing conditions of the maritime influenced southern Napa Valley. The early receding fog gives us slightly longer sunlight and warmer daytime temperatures than the Carneros region directly to our south resulting in richly flavored Chardonnay grapes. This 100% Chardonnay is partially barrel fermented, undergoes partial malo-lactic fermentation, is aged 'sur lies' without stirring for up to nine months, and given an additional 6 - 9 months bottle age before release.
Our port was created especially for chocolate-based desserts. With a hint of sweetness to satisfy the sweet tooth in everyone, this wine is a wonderful accompaniment to many desserts. This wine is produced from some of the classic Portuguese varieties. The wine was aged in small oak barrels for approximately 40 months. The Port varieties used in the production of this wine were grown in the Lodi viticultural region of California. Located east of San Francisco Bay, the Lodi area enjoys a reputation for producing grapes rich in varietal character with great flavors. Many Old Vine vineyards are located within the region and the well-drained soil and warm summer climate, moderated by cooling bay breezes blowing in from the Sacramento River delta, makes the area ideally suited for port varieties. Deep ruby in color with rich fruit aromas, this wine has a rich, luscious mouth feel and soft, elegant tannins. The fruit concentration balances well with the alcohol and grape acidity to yield an appealing, elegant wine, bright on the palate, with great depth and concentration.
Production: 250 cases
In Talianna, named after Sandra's daughters, Talia and Anna, we have created a proprietary wine representing the best each vintage has to offer. A blend of the finest barrel lots of Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, and Petit Verot, the wine captures the unique fruit expressions of our various growers and vineyards. A blend of traditional Bordeaux varietals, the wine is rich and luscious on the palate with an excellent balance between the fruit, oak and tannins and has a long, elegant finish. An expression of vineyard and variety, this rich and complex wine will mature beautifully.
Production: 20 Cases
Located barely 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean in a small inland valley, the T&A Vineyard enjoys a unique microclimate influenced greatly by the cool morning fog and constant ocean breezes. This 100% Marsanne, rich in opulent tropical fruit flavors, is cold fermented and barrel aged in french oak barrels for several months, and bottle aged for 12 months before being released
Production: 120 cases
Our Pinot Noir grapes are grown on our neighbor's vineyard. Yountville enjoys the early morning fog and cool growing conditions of the maritime influenced southern Napa Valley. The early receding fog gives us slightly longer sunlight and warmer daytime temperatures than the Carneros region directly to our south, giving more complexity to the fruit flavors in the wine. This 100% Pinot noir is fermented in the traditional Burgundian method of small, open top fermentors, punched down several times daily, and is barrel aged sur lies before being bottled in mid-summer.
Production: 1,200 cases
Located barely 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean in a small inland valley, the T&A Vineyard enjoys a unique microclimate influenced greatly by the cool morning fog and constant ocean breezes. This unwooded, intensely varietal and fruity 100% Chardonnay is cold fermented in stainless steel, aged on the yeast lees for several months and bottled in early summer.
Production: 180 cases
Located barely 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean in a small inland valley, the T&A Vineyard enjoys a unique microclimate influenced greatly by the cool morning fog and constant ocean breezes. This unwooded 100% Viognier is cold fermented in stainless steel, aged on the yeast lees for several months and bottled in the early spring.
Production: 350 cases
Our 2005 Zinfandel was chosen for its rich flavor profile, with fruit showing beautifully. Grown in the warm northern eastern end of the Napa Valley, this wine is ripe and delicious with layers of plum and blackberry fruit. Peppery black fruit on the palate is integrated with balanced tannins and vanilla oak notes. Good acidity keeps the wine bright on the palate while concentrated fruit flavors linger into the long finish. The perfect accompaniment to spicy foods, game, braised dishes and steak.
Production: 500 cases
Groote Post (www.grootepost.com), an historic farm outside Darling, South Africa, was one of the original land grants in South Africa. Formerly a hunting lodge, the homestead was built in 1808. The owners, the Pentz family, have overseen the conversion to vineyards in this area that is rapidly gaining fame as a rising star in South Africa.
This award winning cultivar (variety) rivals the best of the New World. From elevated, cool climate vineyards in the hills of Darling, with close proximity to the cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, the wine delivers exeptional varietal flavors. Owners Peter and Nick Pentz, and winemaker Lukas Wentzel worked closely with Anthony Bell to produce this 100% tank fermented varietal wine.
Our Sauvignon blanc has a brilliantly clear, beautifully pale color with slight hints of green. Cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks has preserved the fresh flavors, vivid aromatics and brisk acidity, underlain with hints of flinty minerality. A delicious accompaniment to shellfish, poultry, line fish and mild pasta dishes, this wine will brighten any celebration. Or, enjoy a cold glass on the patio, on a warm summers day - and wonder!
Production: 250 cases
Our Napa Valley Syrah is produced from the Estrella clone. The grapes are grown by Michael Clark and Patrick Ridder, on the Massa Ranch, our neighbors directly south of the winery in Yountville. The vineyard is certified organic (CCOF) and although the label does not state such, the wine is produced from organically grown grapes. Proximity to the San Francisco bay and its moderating influences provide a long, cool growing season, allowing the grapes to reach full physiological maturity (flavor development). This produces wines deep in color with rich, concentrated fruit flavor and lovely acidity and a lengthy finish. This 100% Syrah is aged in barrel for eighteen months, and given an additional 9 - 12 months bottle age before release.