quicksearch
95POINTS
18/20
Bell Hill Chardonnay 2012
Canterbury, South Island, New ZealandFarmed organically and biodynamically, the limestone sloped North Canterbury site of Bell Hill is one of the most remarkable in New Zealand. Husband and wife Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen farm and produce the wines in this 2ha site, tucked in an old lime quarry in the Weka Pass. Grapes were picked earlier phenological ripeness, crushed with stems and then basked pressed with 10 percent solids before racking into French oak (25 percent new) for a year, followed by eight months more in tank. Earthy and savoury, with wild herbs, broken stones, fine spicing throughout the taut, lean and linear frame. Citrus, green apple, subtle quince, green fig and chalk vibrate in a focused core, while light salts and spices linger on the lengthy finish. Memorable and finessed now, and will be even more so with a decade in the cellar.Tasted: 23 January 2017Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| NZ | $100.00 | 750ml | NZ |
