Product Information:
The Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay 2022 is an opulent and complex expression of Gippsland’s terroir. Crafted from less than one acre of vines planted in 1979, this Chardonnay showcases the depth and complexity that comes from the estate’s older vines. The wine offers a beautiful balance of ripe peach, creamy textures, and a hint of toffee, with a refreshing backbone of bright citrus notes that lend lift and vibrancy to the palate.
The wine’s round and supple mouthfeel is complemented by soft acidity, while the ripe peach flavours fill the palate with richness and depth. As the wine develops, it reveals nuances of stone fruits, nuts, and a touch of soft oak, all balanced by a clean, lingering finish. With its incredible depth and breadth, this Chardonnay is both a joy to drink now and an excellent candidate for ageing, with the potential to evolve over the next 10 years or more. Its complex and thought-provoking finish will continue to impress as it matures.
Maker:
The story of Bass Phillip starts back in the early 1970's when the first vineyard site, located 15 kilometres south of Leongatha, was selected to plant vines based on climatic and topographical observations. These observations when combined with South Gippsland's moderating influences of the mountains to the north and ocean to the south, provides the ideal conditions for slow ripening of grapes. Bass Phillip also has a 7.5-hectare vineyard planted in 1998 in Leongatha's hinterland comprised primarily of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also some small plantings of Gewurztraminer and Nebbiolo, on a north facing slope; increasing our overall area of vines to just over 10 hectares. Bass Phillip wines reflect variety and their terroir, enhanced by close planted vines, low cropping, old vines with only the use of natural processes and sprays, no irrigation and meticulous canopy management, culminating to produce wines of depth, length and complexity.
The vineyards have been organic since 1993 and biodynamic since 2002, with wine production processes at Bass Phillip guided by the cosmic rhythms that impart energy and vibrancy into the wines. The wines have deep mineral-rich soils that are natural and organic, giving the wines a unique flavour. They are made in a simple and traditional manner, with low-cropped vineyards, no irrigation and minimal intervention in the winery, resulting in wines that age superbly over extended periods. Phillip Jones, the founder of Bass Phillip, laboured for years before entering the Australian market, and his pinot noirs have often achieved the highest ratings in the land.
Philosophy
At Bass Phillip, winemaking is deeply rooted in organic and biodynamic practices. Since 1993, the vineyards have been organic, and since 2002, they have adhered to biodynamic principles. This philosophy reflects a belief in the intrinsic connection between the vineyard, the cosmos, and the rhythms of nature. The result is wines that are rich in vitality, energy, and vibrancy—wines that speak clearly of their origins.
Bass Phillip’s commitment to low intervention in both the vineyard and winery ensures that the wines express the purest characteristics of their terroir. With no irrigation, minimal use of sprays, and a focus on natural processes, the estate’s wines have gained a reputation for their deep, mineral-driven complexity. These wines are crafted to age superbly over extended periods, showcasing their evolution and depth as they mature.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Peach, Toffee, Citrus
A rich and creamy nose of ripe peach and subtle toffee, with a touch of bright citrus that provides freshness and lift to the aromatic profile.
Palate
Round, Supple, Fruity
The palate is soft and rounded, with mouth-watering ripe peach flavours. The wine has a creamy texture balanced by soft acidity, and elements of stone fruits, nuts, and soft oak add complexity.
Finish
Complex, Long, Thought-Provoking
The finish is clean, complex, and lingering, with the flavours of stone fruits and nuts building over time. The wine’s balanced acidity ensures it remains fresh, while the finish is thought-provoking and elegant.
Reviews + Accolades
"The bass line is all acidity, lively, exhilarating; the treble is the slip of phenolics, the creamy lees and shape of this wonderful wine; and the melody all citrus, white stone fruit, florals and ginger spice. It’s a hit. Pristine and racy, refreshing, mouth-watering and classy." - Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion - 96 Points
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Gippsland, VIC
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.7%