Old Weka Pass Road Pinot Noir

See several previous Delectable notes on this wine and vintage. A pale crimson colour with tawny garnet shades. Aromatics of red fruits (strawberry) and Sous Bois on the nose. It may be pale in colour but carries a Medium plus palate intensity of good length. A very good 2nd wine from Bell Hill from the Canterbury district (just to the north of Christchurch) which deserves more recognition as a source of high quality Pinot Noir. Also referred to as the Waipara District.

A pale crimson with a tawny edge - almost transparent. A high quality Pinot Noir from Canterbury wizards Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen. As I said last tasting note - pale but powerful. As good a new World Pinot Noir as you will find, and this is Bell Hill’s second wine. I can’t improve on the previous Delectable note from October 6 2023. These wines from Bell Hill aren’t cheap but are a lot cheaper than good Burgundy.

See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025.

See previous note from 70 weeks ago. Similar this time. A pale to mid crimson in colour. A gorgeous red fruited perfume of mainly red cherry and also violets together with Sous Bois and whole bunch influence. Medium plus intensity on the palate. As I said previously reminiscent of Vosne Romanee. A seriously good Pinot as Bob Campbell MW said and I totally agree. Only 1897 bottles produced.

Always a treat to try a Bell Hill Pinot Noir. Quite light in colour. Wonderful florals of violet, roses and a stalky whole bunch note - a nose reminiscent of Vosne Romanee. A light to medium weight palate showing more body than the colour would indicate. Strong Sous Bois character with red fruits and great persistence. I have very few wines from Canterbury NZ but on this showing, should have more. This is Bell Hill’s 2nd ranked Cuvée. I have a few bottles of their 1st ranked Cuvée but they need more cellar time before popping the cork, as does this Old Weka Pass 2016. A great Pinot with further potential.

Pale Ruby. Some clove and tarry nuances on the nose. The pale colour belies the M+ Intensity. Very Burgundian in aroma, structure and palate. Even better on the 2nd night. The 2nd wine of Bell Hill made from younger vines from the top Cuvée. Very impressive. Only 1897 bottles made from Canterbury NZ and difficult to source even in Australia.

Amazing NZ Pinot Noir.

Feels special, lots of stems and more

Wow. 11 years old. So youthful and bright. Such complexity. Soft fruits. Great acid. Just a beautiful wine

Complex aroma with hints of black cherry cedar and Forrest floor. The palate is subtle with well balanced tannin, acid and fruit. Medium plus finish