Bass Phillip 'Premium' Chardonnay 2024

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.

"Lucky are those who have this on their allocation list, as it’s a tremendous drink. Richly detailed and full of complex aromas and flavours – from buttered toast and lemon curd to a touch of malt partly coming from oxidative winemaking, plus mlf and integrated oak. It’s luscious, generous and fills the palate. The finish lingers long and, overall, the impression is one of balance." 97pts | Jane Faulkner | Halliday Wine Companion

"Medium-full yellow colour; smoky, bready yeast lees and buttery pie crust aromas, the palate rich and round, soft and ample, with intense lemony core surrounded by pastry and buttery shortbread flavours, finishing with a firming grip of tannin and some alcohol warmth. Long finish. A generous, worked wine, in classic Burgundy style." 94pts | Huon Hooke | The Real Review