Pinot Noir, Bell Hill Winery 2015

A stunning pinot noir that is the product of incredible attention to detail in both the vineyard and the winery. The product of dramatically low yields and an unwavering commitment to the ultimate expression of a site’s potential quality. The nose has deeply fused aromas of red and black cherries, earth, baking spices, wild dried herbs and wild flowers. The palate is youthfully energetic, but it will be some years before it reaches full potential. For now, though, it is certainly approachable with a very bright and composed core of rich, spicy red cherries and plums that intertwine with long, ultra-silky tannins. A lesson in finesse. Delicious now, or hold. Screw cap.

100% destemmed as hail damage didn’t give enough quality bunches for that approach. Vines planted 1997–2009 from across the estate. 11,363 vines/ha, multi-clone planted. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and 21–28 days on skins. 12 months in new oak.
Pale ruby. Notable cinnamon-clove oak. Wild strawberry and chalky minerality behind the oak cloak. Racy, German-style acidity, with plenty of wild-strawberry fruit intensity. Good depth. Fairly firm, but polished, fine tannins. Smoky mineral, cinnamon-spice oak and a perfumed, long finish that carries a saline edge. Classy. Give it another year or two to let its oak cloak come down.

100% destemmed as hail damage didn’t give enough quality bunches for that approach. Vines planted 1997–2009 from across the estate. 11,363 vines/ha, multi-clone planted. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and 21–28 days on skins. 12 months in new oak.
Pale ruby. Notable cinnamon-clove oak. Wild strawberry and chalky minerality behind the oak cloak. Racy, German-style acidity, with plenty of wild-strawberry fruit intensity. Good depth. Fairly firm, but polished, fine tannins. Smoky mineral, cinnamon-spice oak and a perfumed, long finish that carries a saline edge. Classy. Give it another year or two to let its oak cloak come down.