Bob Campbell MW (98)

Exemplifying artistry in winemaking, Bell Hill Pinot Noir 2017 is a scintillating masterpiece of the vine. Having its roots in the limestone-rich soils of North Canterbury, New Zealand, this remarkable vintage embodies the diligent care and precision Bell Hill Vineyard imperatively demands. The grapes are rigorously selected from two unique blocks, meticulously hand-harvested and crafted using a burgundian approach. Resulting in a wine that defines depth, complexity and longevity.

The 2017 vintage presents an expressive bouquet of ripe berries and delicate floral undertones ennobled by a subtle earthiness and whispers of oriental spices. Its velvet tannins and structured body unfurl in the palate to reveal layers of dark cherry, cocoa and truffle, underpinned by its refreshing, lingering finish. Truly, Bell Hill Pinot Noir 2017 affirms itself as an indulgent indulgence capturing the essence of its origin, drawn by purity, elegance and an unwavering testimony to the grandeur of Bell Hill Vineyard.

From the cherished vineyards of New Zealand comes the Bell Hill Pinot Noir 2018 - a fine testament to winemaking artistry. The vintage was crafted within benchmarks of passion and precision, the fruit gracing the limestone and clay loam soils of the Bell Hill Vineyard in North Canterbury, meticulously handpicked and placed in whole bunches, before spending 28 days fermenting with natural yeast. The final masterpiece was aged in French oak barriques for 16 months, aiding in this wine's beautifying evolution. The hands behind this spectacle, Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen, harmoniously blend expertise and passion, showcasing deep respect for the land whilst driving forward innovation. The resulting Bell Hill Pinot Noir 2018 is an unrivalled symphony of black cherry, raspberry, and spice with a long-lasting minerality, and defined structure. For those seeking an exemplar of New Zealand's Pinot Noir renaissance, the search culminates here.

From the prestigious Bell Hill Vineyard in New Zealand's North Canterbury, we present the sublime Bell Hill Pinot Noir Old Weka Pass Road 2014. This exceptional vintage is expertly crafted from meticulously hand-sorted fruit, and refined for precision and complexity. The wine was aged for a long span of 27 months in French oak barrels, contributing to its unique depth and flavour profile. Bell Hill, known for their enthusiast's dedication to terroir expression, has successfully captured the unique limestone and clay-based soils, and climate of their Old Weka Pass Road parcel. The result is an elegant expression of Pinot Noir, exhibiting pronounced red berry fruit, laced with layers of savoury earthiness and a distinct mineral undertone, all carried gracefully by its bright acidity and tannic structure. Offering a harmonious balance of power and refinement, Bell Hill Pinot Noir Old Weka Pass Road 2014 is a true testament to New Zealand's winemaking prestige.

The Real Wine Review (96)