Bell Hill Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Canterbury, New Zealand, 2021

Producer Profile

Bell Hill Vineyard is a boutique winery situated in the Weka Pass area of North Canterbury.

Established in 1997 by Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen, the vineyard is on the site of a former limestone quarry that imparts unique characteristics to the resulting wines, which are known for their elegance, complexity, and longevity. The Pinot Noir exhibits layers of ripe red and dark fruits with fine tannins, while the Chardonnay offers flinty complexity and a tight structure that evolves beautifully with age.

Viticulture

Bell Hill Pinot Noir is drawn from multiple estate parcels, each contributing nuance and complexity to the final wine. Shaped by a low-yielding season, it shows both concentration and finesse, capturing the balance between generosity and restraint that defines the Bell Hill style.

Winemaking

All of the fruit was destemmed, and each block had 23 to 28 days on skins with cold pre-ferment and warm post-ferment macerations. After basket pressing, the wine went into 100% new French oak, it was racked and blended after 12 months and had 7 months in tank before bottling.

Tasting Note

Medium in colour, the wine opens with a lifted and expressive nose, combining floral notes, dried herbs and earthy spice with subtle mineral and smoky undertones. Layers of wild berries, rose petal, forest floor and a touch of cedar create aromatic depth while retaining freshness and elegance. On the palate, ripe red and dark fruits are carried by bright acidity and a fine saline edge, with savoury notes and gentle warmth adding complexity. As the wine opens, it reveals increasing texture and flow, with polished tannins and a sense of volume that remains controlled and seamless. The finish is long, balanced and confident, combining energy, depth and a quiet sense of conversation rather than declaration.

Food matching

Beef bourguignon, charcuterie and cheeseboards, roast meat and game, this would also work with perch in a red wine sauce.