Bell Hill Chardonnay 2017, Waipara, North Canterbury

Elegant, complex and alluring bouquet. Aromas of ripe white fleshed fruits layered between scents of oak, raw cashew nut and minerality offering a sense of place and time. On the palate - equally complex, fruity and dry with flavours that mirror the nose, layers of mineral and spice from site and use of barrel, a nut and gentle wood smoke layer, plenty of acidity and fine wood tannins that enhance a limestone-like foundation. Beautifully made, balanced and ageing well. A wine for the cellar still, but also okay to indulge over a few days. Best drinking from late 2021 through 2025+

96 Points

Outstanding

I make no secret of the fact that I am a huge fan of the wines that are made at Bell Hill, as well as the leadership and contribution to New Zealand’s wine sector that Marcel and Sherwyn continue to make.