Born on a wine farm in South Africa, Winemaker Anthony Bell gained an impressive amount of practical and academic experience in Spain, France, South Africa, and California before he formed Bell Wine Cellars with a winegrower nearly two decades ago. Perhaps the most significant point on Anthony’s lengthy resume is his 15-year stint with Beaulieu Vineyard, where he worked alongside the master winemaker André Tchelistcheff. His achievements were many at Beaulieu. Most notably, he wrote the definition of the Carneros appellation, raised the bar on grape quality for the vineyard, and conducted groundbreaking research into the differences and impact of clonal variations on Cabernet Sauvignon.
Although all of Anthony’s wines receive high praise, he is most often associated with the development of Rutherford Cabernet. “Rutherford Cabernet is not linear, but layered, and very seductive,” Anthony says. “The wines don’t express themselves at first taste, the tannins carry the wines. They are firm, but they don’t bite.”
Long before it became fashionable to talk about terroir, Anthony was exploring its nuances. At the 2005 Grand Harvest Awards sponsored by Vineyards & Winery Management magazine, the Bell 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, was selected as most representative of the Napa Valley terroir. Yet Anthony is not one to rest on his laurels. He likes to make it a point to be on hand to greet tasting room guests, and sometimes pour and talk about wine.
WHAT TO BUY:
’07 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County Fresh citrus, mineral, hints of fresh grass, long finish $15
’06 Syrah, Sierra Foothills Rich, round, spicy, peppery fruit, soft, luscious finish $26
’05 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Rich, ripe cherry, cassis, blackberry, supple tannins $40
’05 Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 6, Rutherford, Napa Valley Black cherry, currant, blackberry, chocolate, coffee, pepper, vanilla $90
CONTACT:
707.944.1673; Fax: 707.944.1674
www.bellwine.com
6200 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
Tasting Room Open Daily by Appointment 10-4
GETTING THERE: From Hwy 29 in Yountville, head east on California Dr. Turn right onto Washington St. The winery is on the left.
Touring and Tasting
JustLuxe Contributor