Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2013

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.

The 2013 growing season at Bannockburn resulted in rich, deeply coloured wines with power and structure. This pinot noir was made from a blend of fruit, 60% from our olive tree hill vineyard and 40% from our close-planted vineyard. 100% whole bunches were used to enhance the complexity and longevity of the wine. It spent a year in 1/3 new French hogsheads, followed by six months in aged barriques. this wine is uniquely Australian and uniquely Bannockburn.

60% Olive Tree Vineyard, 40% close planted; 100% whole bunch-fermented, 20 months barrel maturation (mainly used). Deeply coloured, but not star-bright; an ultra-complex and power-packed pinot, multi-plum flavours surrounded by a palisade of whole bunch stemmy notes. Cries out for time in bottle. - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion, 96 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2013
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%