Founded: |
vineyards in 1977, winery in 1984 |
Winemaker: |
Terry Casteel & Assistant Wine Maker Ben Casteel |
Production: |
1984: 3,000 cases
2005: 10,000 cases |
Varietals: |
Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc |
Location: |
Eola Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon |
Fun Fact: |
This family owned winery is paving the way for the next generation with three children of the Casteel brothers now involved in the day to day business including Ben Casteel as assistant winemaker. |
Since 1978 Bethel Heights has been owned and operated by a family consortium of five variously related partners: twin brothers Terry Casteel and Ted Casteel, Marilyn Webb (married to Terry), and sisters Pat Dudley (married to Ted) and Barbara Dudley. In the beginning before they made wine, everyone worked in the vineyard. The establishment of the winery in 1984 ushered in a new division of labor which prevails to this day except during crush, when we revert to a more primitive state.
Our vineyard is planted on a south-facing hillside rising from 480 to 620 feet above sea level in the Eola Hills, with shallow well-drained soils of volcanic origin (Jory/Nekiah soil series). Of the fifty acres of vines planted at Bethel Heights between 1977 and 1979, more than 30 acres still remain on their own roots.
Bethel Heights wines available for national distribution:
| 2008 Estate Chardonnay
|
$25 |
Aromas of mineral, lemon zest, sea salt, and autumn fruits. Exuberant entry featuring focused green apple and Asian pears, bright framing acidity, and a long steely finish. |
| 2009 Pinot Gris
|
$16 |
Initial deep minerality gives way to aromas of tangerine, lime blossom, and lemon zest. The palate is defined by a firm core of acidity that runs through the wine, giving it structure and fantastic length. |
| 2009 Pinot Blanc Estate Grown
|
$16 |
Primary aromas of deep mineral, wet stone, citrus, white peach, and faint grass seed. The palate is a dense concentration of peach, golden delicious apples, and flint, framed by firm acidity.
|
2008 Pinot Noir Estate Grown
Also available in 375mL |
$30 |
The palate ranges from deep minerality and early bing cherries to orange zest and currant, but it is the taut core of acidity that drives this wine.
“When the stars align, as in 2008, it can result in that perfect vintage Oregon vintners dream about.” Wine Spectator
|
| 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
|
$28 |
90 points: “Pungent, sexy scents of dried red fruits, star anise, allspice and rose. Lively and precise on entry, then gains flesh and breadth in the mid-palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry compote flavors and showing no rough edges.” International Wine Cellar |
2007 Casteel Reserve Pinot Noir
Also available in 375mL |
$60 |
92 points: “My favorite of the collection, it is the most deeply colored as well as the most fragrant. Asian spices, incense, black cherry, and black raspberry aromas lead to a layered wine with tons of succulent fruit, 2-3 years of aging potential, and a long, pure finish.” Wine Enthusiast |
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