{"title":"Bell Hill","description":"\u003cp\u003eBell Hill Vineyard is a boutique producer in North Canterbury on New Zealand’s South Island, crafting an extremely limited range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from its tiny two-hectare estate vineyard. Rare releases and exceptionally low yields make these wines highly sought-after among collectors and enthusiasts alike.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2018-bell-hill-old-weka-pass-road-pinot-noir-750ml","title":"2018 Bell Hill Old Weka Pass Road Pinot Noir 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Old Weka Pass Road Pinot Noir is a 5-barrel blend from select barrels of the Quarry Rootlings and 10\/5, Slope and Shelf Top. The handling on skins is the same as for the Bell Hill and the French oak was also 100% new. The wine was racked and blended after 12 months in barrel, it had 8 months in tank and was bottled on the 2nd of December 2019 with a pH of 3.69, TA of 5.0g\/L, and alcohol of 13%. 1,366 bottles were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStruck match with sweet fruit notes, cool ocean breeze blue fruit, delicate but forthcoming despite the light appearance of colour. A juicy fruit core with linearity and direction. Long with a seamless saline flow, subtle in extraction but has finesse and flow with underlying palate tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAbout Bell Hill\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wines of Bell Hill hold an almost mythical status amongst collectors of New Zealand's finest and rarest wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen reject the term 'winemakers', they consider themselves 'winegrowers', seeing the creation of wine as a wholistic, all-encompassing mission. Their Bell Hill dream commenced in 1995 when they found their dream plot of land: a limestone slope in North Canterbury that would be perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with incredible structure and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday their wines are rarely seen outside of the finest restaurants. The role-call of critical acclaim for these wines is as long as your arm. No list of New Zealand's most important wines would be complete without these beautiful creations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vic Liquors Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47970660778299,"sku":"SK55665692","price":185.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0839\/1540\/7675\/files\/BellHillOldWekaPassRoadPinotNoir750ml.png?v=1781247491"},{"product_id":"2018-bell-hill-pinot-noir-750ml","title":"2018 Bell Hill Pinot Noir 750ml","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bell Hill Pinot Noir is a blend of the Shelf parcels, the Shelf West, Quarry Rootlings and 10\/5, the Roadblock and Slope. Most of the fruit was destemmed giving lots of whole berries and a small number of whole clusters were used in the Quarry 10\/5 and Shelf 1998 ferments. The ferments had 26 to 30 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 8 months in tank before bottling on the 9th of December 2019 with a pH of 3.66, TA of 5.4 g\/L and an alcohol of 13.5%. 4,911 bottles were produced. One barrel of the Shelf 1998 was bottled for a Single Parcel Pinot Noir giving 285 bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA reductive lift of struck match and flint with primary fruit notes, spicy with a sweet palate entry, soft and relaxed palate with long mineral flow, vibrant acid fruit tension with opulence and silky, fine tannins. Not heavy in structure or colour but has a fine mineral flow and salinity that give a lengthening direction to the wine. A linear wine that has a salivating energy to the wine, giving it nervosity and tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 vintage began with a very mild winter and significant rainfall in early spring. Soil work was completed on time with pruning finishing early and bud burst coming a week early. No water was used during frost protection, just the wind machine when needed. An exceptionally warm growing season with very rapid growth and little wind. Cyclone Gita in February brought significant rainfall and some botrytis pressure with grapes riper than usual for that time of year. Spraying under nets was necessary and fruit thinning continued up to harvest to remove any disease. We started with picking the sparkling base wine on March 16th with selections from Roadblock Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Limeworks 2009 Chardonnay. Moving to Chardonnay on March 21st to 31st - Limeworks 2009, Shelf, and Limeworks 1999. The Pinot Noirs came in from March 27th to April 5th – Roadblock, Shelf West, Shelf 1998, Quarry Rootlings, Slope, Shelf Top, Shelf Bottom and finally, the Quarry 10\/5. Our new winery set-up had its inaugural harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur winemaking philosophy is simple, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blocks are multi-cloned and harvested, fermented, pressed, put to barrel separately as individual blocks. This allows us to follow the evolution of the parcels for a year before making blending decisions and gives opportunities to evaluate single parcel potential. When we have good volume, we can split blocks in half for winemaking trials. The yeasts are natural, coming from the vineyard, with small natural starters from each parcel after the fruit has been processed into its fermenting vat (PN) or pressed into tank (CH). Malolactic fermentation is 100%, also natural. No fining or clarification agents are used, and filtration is minimal – coarse filtering for Chardonnay, the same for Pinot Noir from the racking valve down, or not at all. For Chardonnay, the first addition of sulphur is at 12 months when the wine comes out of barrel into tank. Pinot Noir sees an addition of sulphur at processing to protect the fruit during its cold maceration time and acid adjustments in the fermenter to stabilise pH for long term stability, colour, and ageing. The wine is then left alone and sulphured in tank after barrel ageing for 12 months. Small sulphur adjustments are made, if necessary, just before bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vic Liquors Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48764337553723,"sku":"SK34467862","price":399.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0839\/1540\/7675\/files\/BellHillPinotNoir750ml.png?v=1781247492"},{"product_id":"2020-bell-hill-old-weka-pass-road-pinot-noir-750ml","title":"2020 Bell Hill Old Weka Pass Road Pinot Noir 750ml","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2020 Bell Hill Old Weka Pass Road Pinot Noir is a compelling introduction to one of New Zealand’s most revered Pinot Noir producers. Sourced from younger vines and selected parcels within the Bell Hill estate in North Canterbury, this wine captures the estate’s signature purity, mineral tension, and structural finesse. The 2020 vintage offers remarkable clarity and elegance, delivering both immediate charm and serious pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyard and Winemaking\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBell Hill’s limestone-rich vineyards in Waikari are among New Zealand’s most distinctive terroirs for Pinot Noir, producing wines of precision and depth. Fruit for Old Weka Pass Road is hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts, with a thoughtful proportion of whole bunches to build aromatic complexity and texture. Maturation in French oak barriques allows the wine to integrate seamlessly while preserving vineyard expression and natural energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eLifted aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, and cranberry unfold with notes of rose petal, spice, and crushed stone. The palate is finely detailed and vibrant, offering pure red fruit, savoury complexity, and silky tannins. Bright natural acidity and mineral drive carry through to a long, poised finish with precision and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStyle and Character\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2020 Old Weka Pass Road reflects Bell Hill’s unmistakable style — restrained, transparent, and finely structured. It offers a beautifully accessible expression of the estate’s philosophy while maintaining the depth and seriousness expected from this iconic producer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCellaring and Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eEnjoy now with decanting, or cellar for 8–12 years as further savoury complexity develops. Ideal with roast duck, quail, mushroom dishes, or fine poultry preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAbout Bell Hill\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wines of Bell Hill hold an almost mythical status amongst collectors of New Zealand's finest and rarest wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen reject the term 'winemakers', they consider themselves 'winegrowers', seeing the creation of wine as a wholistic, all-encompassing mission. Their Bell Hill dream commenced in 1995 when they found their dream plot of land: a limestone slope in North Canterbury that would be perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with incredible structure and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday their wines are rarely seen outside of the finest restaurants. The role-call of critical acclaim for these wines is as long as your arm. No list of New Zealand's most important wines would be complete without these beautiful creations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Craft Republic Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51216479224123,"sku":"7136585013","price":299.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0839\/1540\/7675\/files\/BellHillOldWekaPassRoadPinotNoir750ml_3f6a30de-57e3-4e8f-8c52-1e4b8661a377.png?v=1781247497"},{"product_id":"2015-bell-hill-pinot-noir-750ml","title":"2015 Bell Hill Pinot Noir 750ml","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2015 Bell Hill Pinot Noir is one of New Zealand’s most profound and sought-after Pinot Noir expressions, produced from the estate’s limestone-rich vineyards in North Canterbury. Widely regarded as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s great Pinot Noir producers, Bell Hill crafts wines of remarkable precision, mineral tension, and longevity. The 2015 vintage is a beautifully structured and deeply expressive release, combining elegance with quiet power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyard and Winemaking\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFruit was sourced from Bell Hill’s steep limestone slopes in Waikari, where low yields and exceptional site character define the estate’s philosophy. Hand-harvested and sorted parcel by parcel, the fruit was fermented with indigenous yeasts and a thoughtful proportion of whole bunches to enhance aromatic lift and structural complexity. Gentle extraction preserved purity and finesse, while maturation in French oak barriques allowed the wine to build texture and integration without obscuring vineyard transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, and raspberry unfold with layers of rose petal, spice, forest floor, and crushed limestone. The palate is finely detailed and tightly structured, delivering pure red fruit, savoury complexity, and silky but persistent tannins. Bright acidity and pronounced mineral tension carry through to a long, elegant finish of exceptional clarity and persistence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStyle and Character\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2015 Bell Hill Pinot Noir is a wine of restraint, precision, and depth. It captures the Burgundian-inspired philosophy of the estate while remaining distinctly expressive of its North Canterbury limestone terroir. A serious Pinot Noir with outstanding ageing potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCellaring and Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eApproachable now with decanting, yet capable of evolving gracefully over the next 15–20 years. Ideal with roast duck, quail, mushroom dishes, truffle-based cuisine, or refined game dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Craft Republic Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51217352130875,"sku":"4909140615","price":480.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0839\/1540\/7675\/files\/BellHillPinotNoir750ml_b22bd168-1b33-41db-a288-f725b8eada7e.png?v=1781247489"},{"product_id":"2014-bell-hill-chardonnay-750ml","title":"2014 Bell Hill Chardonnay 750ml","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2014 Bell Hill Chardonnay is a profound and highly sought-after expression from one of New Zealand’s most revered boutique producers. Grown on Bell Hill’s limestone-rich slopes in North Canterbury, this wine showcases remarkable precision, mineral tension, and structural finesse. The 2014 vintage stands as a compelling example of Bell Hill’s philosophy of low-intervention winemaking and terroir transparency, delivering both immediate complexity and exceptional ageing potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyard and Winemaking\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFruit was sourced from Bell Hill’s steep limestone quarry vineyards in Waikari, where low yields and meticulous vineyard management produce Chardonnay of outstanding concentration and detail. Hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, the juice was fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barriques, with a restrained proportion of new oak to support structure without overwhelming site expression. Extended lees maturation and partial malolactic fermentation built texture, complexity, and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAromas of preserved lemon, white peach, and grapefruit unfold with layers of flint, hazelnut, brioche, and crushed oyster shell. The palate is tightly wound and mineral-driven, delivering concentrated citrus and stone fruit framed by creamy texture and vibrant acidity. Chalky structure and saline precision lead to a long, focused finish of remarkable persistence and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStyle and Character\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2014 Bell Hill Chardonnay is a wine of tension, purity, and intellectual depth. Burgundian in philosophy yet distinctly shaped by New Zealand limestone terroir, it balances richness with restraint and remains one of the country’s benchmark Chardonnay expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCellaring and Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eDrinking beautifully now with decanting, yet capable of further development over 8–12 years. Ideal with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, creamy seafood dishes, or mushroom-based cuisine.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Craft Republic Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51217354064187,"sku":"7567535137","price":460.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0839\/1540\/7675\/files\/2014BellHillChardonnay_Canterbury_NewZealand.png?v=1781247489"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0839\/1540\/7675\/collections\/bell_hill.jpg?v=1778555679","url":"https:\/\/craftrepublic.com.au\/collections\/bell-hill.oembed","provider":"Craft Republic Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}