Bellbrae Estate Longboard Pinot Noir 2023 is a vibrant, expressive cool-climate Pinot Noir from the Surf Coast region of Victoria — five minutes from Bells Beach and one of Australia’s most exciting emerging wine regions. Lifted black currant, cherry, and plum on the nose; a soft, elegant palate of black forest fruit with fine-grained French oak tannins; excellent weight, depth, and length of flavour. Part of the Longboard range — wines built for drinking now, bursting with freshness and perfectly matched to the relaxed Surf Coast lifestyle.
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Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep ruby with the vibrant, clear colour of a cool-climate Pinot Noir crafted from the north-facing slopes of Bellbrae Estate’s Geelong Surf Coast vineyards — expressive and inviting in the glass.
Aroma
Lifted and immediately captivating — black currant, cherry, and plum lead with freshness and precision, with subtle French oak adding complexity and a cool-climate elegance that speaks directly to the Surf Coast terroir.
Palate
Soft and elegantly structured — black forest fruit characters carry through with fine-grained French oak tannins adding refinement and length. Well-balanced with excellent depth and a lingering finish of genuine cool-climate Pinot Noir distinction. Great cellaring potential for those who can wait.
Pairs With
Bellbrae Estate Longboard Pinot Noir 2023 pairs beautifully with duck confit, roasted salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb cutlets, and soft-ripened cheeses — a versatile, food-friendly Surf Coast Pinot equally at home at a long lunch or a relaxed dinner by the coast.
Who Should Drink This?
The Longboard range is made for people who love great wine without the fuss — expressive, fresh, and built for the table rather than the cellar. This Pinot Noir is ideal for lovers of cool-climate reds who appreciate elegance over power, and for anyone who wants a genuinely regional Victorian wine with real character and a sense of place. Equally at home at a casual Surf Coast barbecue or a more considered dinner party.
Is It Worth Ageing?
Yes — while the Longboard range is crafted primarily for near-term enjoyment, the 2023 Pinot Noir has the structure and depth to reward short-term cellaring of 3–5 years. The fine-grained French oak tannins and cool-climate acidity provide a solid framework for development. Drink now for its vibrant freshness, or cellar for added complexity.
What’s Similar?
Fans of Bellbrae Estate Longboard Pinot Noir may also enjoy other Geelong and Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noirs for a similar cool-climate Victorian style, or explore Yarra Valley Pinot Noir for comparable elegance and fruit-forward character. Within the Bellbrae Estate range, the flagship Bellbrae Estate Pinot Noir offers a more structured, cellar-worthy expression from the same vineyards.
Why Do Critics Love It?
Bellbrae Estate’s Longboard range consistently earns praise for its genuine regional character and exceptional value — wines that deliver the cool-climate precision and freshness of the Geelong Surf Coast without the premium price tag of the flagship range. The 2023 Pinot Noir is a standout expression of the vintage, showcasing the best of the estate’s north-facing slopes and traditional winemaking approach.
