Description
Harvested between the 27th of March and 9th of April 2021 with a range of 21.6 to 23 Brix, the Bell Hill Chardonnay is a 6-barrel blend of the Shelf, Roadblock, and Limeworks parcels. Most fruit was whole cluster pressed (Limeworks 99 and Roadblock) except one parcel which was crushed (Limeworks 09 and Shelf combined pressing), and had 17% new, 50% 1 year old, and 33% 3-year-old French oak, an elevage of 12 months before racking and blending with a further 8 months in tank. Bottled on the 21st of December 2022, with 3.36 pH, 6.4g/L TA and 13.5% alcohol. 1,795 bottles were produced. Yields did not allow us a Single Parcel Chardonnay this season.
Lovely green/gold hue reminiscent of dappled sunlight and green shoots. On the nose, hint of wet stones, flint, sea breeze and mineral, white florals and a touch of orange blossom. Like tears on your tongue, a salivating mouthfeel, fresh oyster, a light taste of lime and fresh cream. A long, vibrant palate, with pretty acid, round and revolving, a strong mineral element displaying from the back palate forward preserving tension and focus. This wine is speaking now, with a purity of language, a true expression of where it’s from. Over time, and with air, it develops a lovely textural grapefruit pith with a dry extract on the palate, giving tension and definition with a clean tactile finish.
