Bannockburn De La Terre Pinot Noir 2022
Stuart Hooper had a vision to create a vineyard in Australia that would produce exceptional quality wines. In the early 1970s he selected a plot of land in the Moorabool Valley and planted shiraz vines. As the vineyard expanded, more land was acquired, and additional grape varieties were planted. Bannockburn Vineyards, founded by Stuart Hooper, continues to thrive today, with a commitment to quality and organic farming practices. Matt Holmes joined Bannockburn Vineyards as the winemaker in 2015, aiming to produce wines representative of the vineyard's style and site with gentle inputs and minimal additions in the winemaking process.
Bannockburn Vineyards is comprised of 24 vineyard blocks, 8 grape varieties, and 16 clones. The soil is low-fertility with good drainage, allowing for controlled growth. Organic farming principles are followed, with the addition of compost to maintain vineyard balance. The soil variations range from volcanic surface debris to ancient sea beds, layered over limestone bedrock. The first vineyard was planted in 1974, making the vines some of the oldest in the Geelong region. The Moorabool Valley, where the vineyards are located, has an average annual rainfall of 540mm, primarily occurring in winter and spring. The region benefits from a maritime influence, resulting in mild temperatures and long sunshine hours. The stable, dry and low-humidity conditions during the grape-growing season allow for a mild and extended ripening period, ideal for healthy vines and gradual flavour development. The unique combination of meagre rainfall, low vigour soils, prevailing winds and close plantings contributes to the restricted yields and distinctive flavors and structures of Bannockburn wines.
Bannockburn's De La Terre Pinot Noir 2022 is a reflection of the vineyard's ethos, "of the earth". The block is made up of two sections: east-west row orientation on an east-facing slope and north-south row orientation on the upper flat adjacent to the Serré block. This organic certified block is planted to 1.2m rows x 1.0m vine spacing, mostly 777 clone and some 114 Pinot Noir. The fruit was handpicked between 23-24th March and fermented on skins for 10 days utilizing 100% whole bunches via carbonic maceration before being destemmed to complete fermentation. The wine was pressed to French oak hogshead barrels, of which 25% was new, and left undisturbed to undergo malolactic fermentation in Spring before being blended and bottled. The result is a Pinot Noir that showcases the unique characteristics of the De La Terre block, with a balance of fruit flavors and oak influence. The wine delights with an interplay of red fruit flavors, complemented by subtle notes of oak. It possesses a well-structured and balanced profile, with a touch of firmness and grip on the finish. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this wine stands as a testament to Bannockburn's commitment to producing exceptional Pinot Noirs that showcase the unique characteristics of their vineyards.
Cardamon, red cherry, tamarind, blood orange, dill and a drape of Indian spice across the mid-palate. Sure, the whole-bunch piquancy is evident, but the integration of extract, optimal fruit ripeness and bunch is rewarding and ultimately delicious after some some air, boding well for mid-term aging. So fragrant, unusual and exotic of appeal. Gently mid-weighted. The finish, a long succulent weld with rivets of green. Drink or hold. Screw cap. - Ned Goodwin MW, jamessuckling.com, 94 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%