Bell Hill Canterbury Shelf Pinot Noir 2020

Tasting Notes

The Shelf Pinot Noir 2020 is a 6-barrel of Shelf 1998, Shelf Top 2007-2008 and Shelf West 2009 plantings. Harvested from the 26th of March to the 5th of April 2020, at 24.6 to 25.3 Brix, basket pressed after 28-29 days on skins and aged in 100% new French oak for 12 months followed by racking and blending and a further 9 months in tank before bottling on January 25th, 2022. The final wine has a pH of 3.56g/L, TA of 5.0g/L and 14% alcohol. 1596 bottles and 100 magnums were produced.

At first, a little closed with brightness shining through like rays of light on a forest floor. There is a brighter primary lift with wild forest strawberries, some herbs; spicy earthy notes draw you in. It opens on the palate with a cool blue fruit element with a high-toned lift, fine and linear, its seamless nature leads a fine-boned pathway of spice and restrained tension. The change in the glass is significant and begs decanting, on opening there is more presence of reduced black currant notes and then with time the spice, forest floor, leather as well as blue fruits are revealed, it is still so young! A lot of tension to the fruit, with a structural exterior, but a deep and meaningful core that holds sweetness and a hint of bitter chocolate. The Shelf is speaking in its own language, drawing us into a conversation that will need years to finish. It is a very deep, intriguing wine – not a Bell Hill but the Shelf from Bell Hill! - Winery Note.