Bass Phillip 'Estate' Pinot Noir 2021

Bass Phillip is by some stretch Gippsland's best winery and arguably Australia's greatest maker of Pinot Noir. Founder (& former owner) Phillip Jones ekked out small quantities of of hugely characterful and idiosyncratic wines that, at their best, had no peer in perhaps the Southern Hemisphere. Of course there was the odd miss along the way!

The winery was sold in 2020 to a partnership headed by the highly regarded Jean-Marie Fourrier from Domaine Fourrier in Gevrey-Chambertin. Whilst the intense vineyard management will remain unchanged (low yields, no irrigation, organic principles) there is an expectation consistency, vintage to vintage, will improve.

"Fragrant potpourri of aromas, rose petals and red berry notes, with a hint of China tea; the very essence of Pinot Noir. A classic iron fist in a velvet glove palate. A lush fruit driven middle, enveloped by powdery tannins with delicious flavours that dance delicately across the palate." Winery Tasting Notes

"An elegant style, almost gentle with every element from fruit and acidity to tannins neatly in place. It’s a complete wine. Red cherry accents, rose petals, charred radicchio and a host of spices for good measure. It continues to unfurl beautifully in the glass. As seamless as it gets thanks to superfine tannins and a powder puff of acidity." 95pts | Jane Faulkner | Halliday Wine Companion

"Medium full ruby with a tinge of purple; the aromas are of red fruits, the profile lean and elegant, with bountiful drying tannins, and touches of foresty pinot mystery. The wine is lean and drying on the aftertaste. Nice elegant wine, worth a little cellaring also." 95pts | Huon Hooke | The Real Review