Description
The Bell Hill Pinot Noir continues to cement its reputation as one of New Zealand’s most revered and collectible wines. This 2020 release is a masterful 15-barrel blend, crafted from the Shelf and Shelf West parcels, Quarry Rootlings and Quarry 10/5, along with the Roadblock and Slope blocks - each an essential piece of the Bell Hill mosaic.
Fruit was mostly destemmed, with small whole bunch trials bringing added aromatic lift and structure. Each batch spent 27 to 30 days on skins, followed by basket pressing and maturation in 100% new French oak for 12 months, then 8 months in tank to refine its texture and focus. The wine was bottled unfiltered in January 2022.
The 2020 vintage brings depth and vibrance, with a taut core of energy and fine mineral detail. Aromatically, it’s deep and spicy; on the palate, it balances sweet, fleshy fruit with a beautifully saline, mouthwatering line. It’s a wine of fine-boned elegance, precision, and remarkable ageing potential. Only 4,167 bottles and 106 magnums produced - an essential piece for any serious Pinot Noir collection.
97 points
"Very racy and refined with lovely length and precision, showing orange peel, strawberries and hints of spices such as cloves and white pepper. Medium- to full-bodied, it has flint, chalk and spices as well as blood oranges, flowers and dark fruit. Such balance and refinement. Creamy finish. Goes on for minutes. This needs time to open. Screw cap."
- James Suckling
97 points
"Attractive lift from some whole bunch which highlights the sweet small berry aromas soaking through distinctive, chocolaty oak. Despite its age, this is incredibly young and still very shy. The palate is tightly bound between very fine tannins and really taut, saline acidity. Wood currently leads, with concentrated, tangy cherry and macerated berry fruit waiting in the wings. Forest floor joins in at the very back, along with rosehip and pomegranate. Very impressive, brooding and long, its sinewy, coiled structure is infused with a melting coulis of fruit and evident power. Leave it alone for the rest of the decade and watch it reveal its layers over the next one."
- Stephen Wong (The Real Review)
| Price Bracket | $101 and Above |
| Type | Red |
| Body | Medium Bodied |
| Variety | Pinot Noir |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | North Canterbury |
| Feature |
Iconic Women in Wine Cult High Score |
| Reviewed By |
James Suckling The Real Review |
| Critic Score |
97 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Closure | Screw Cap |
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For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.
We will dispatch your order the same or next business day.
Estimated delivery transit time varies depending on your location. Please review this page for specific estimates.
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Ordering
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