2003 Bellvale Pinot Noir

PINOT NOIR - THE SEARCH FOR THE HOLY GRAIL

We are constantly on the search for great Pinot Noir – but what are the qualities of greatness that we are so desperately searching for? Wine Writer, Michael Broadbent defines these qualities – “A ripe Pinot vinified in a traditional way…will have a velvety depth of colour (true Burgundy Red) with pronounced viscosity. Its bouquet is sweeter and more opulent than its counterpoint in Bordeaux, and it will have a body which is both soft, alcoholic and velvety.”
Anthony Hanson, in his book on ‘Burgundy’ makes the statement “Ca Sent Ca Merde’ (Great Burgundy smells of shit) – a common expression on the Cote. Not always, but frequently there is a smell of decaying matter, vegetable or animal about them.’ For a full discussion visit  Pinot Noir: The Search for the Holy Grail

This is the debut release from Bellvale, made by JOHN ELLIS (not the same man that makes Hanging Rock) from his Gippsland Vineyard. The colour is impressive – deep crimson with crimson mauve hue. Aroma of violets, spice, strawberry and spicy oak. The palate has excellent weight and mouthfeel, with the Pinot Noir spice wave beginning to build slowly on the palate and extending well into the aftertaste. Velvet soft tannins, with a powerful palate flavour profile. Very long aftertaste of spice, cherry and oak.
Cellar 4-5 years (2009-2010)
Alc/Vol: 13.3%

Other Reviews.....
Deep color; very rich, powerful and concentrated; lashings of dark plum fruit, almost Central Otago in style; certainly New World. DRINK 2009
RATING 93
'James Halliday - 2006 Australian Wine Companion'