Product Information:
Phillip Jones rates his 2017 Estate Pinot Noir as one of his best ever under this label and reminiscent of Nuits St Georges - aromatic of cherry, strawberry and blackcurrant. Muscular and vigorous, chewy and full-bodied, its structured is both well built and well-balanced with plenty of length.
The Estate Pinot Noir comes from vines aged between 35 to 38 year old contribute the majority of the fruit for this wine with yields cropped at approximately one tonne per acre. It's cloudy dark red colour with a light red hue. Perfumed aromatics of ripe red cherries and winter strawberries infused with violets drift through the nostrils followed by hints of sour cherries, fresh herbs, light forest floor and spicy cedar notes. Light to medium weight the delicious palate is intensely flavoured with red to dark cherries and strawberries with a dash of sour cherries adding some verve. Expansive and powerful with subtle forest floor, infusions of fresh herbs, spicy cedar and bright minerality also chiming in on the back palate for added complexity. Supple yet vibrant mouthfeel with lively acidity and silky tannins. Concludes exceptionally long and moreish. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
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:
Bass Phillips wines are made simply, with low cropping vines, dry grown and minimal intervention winemaking. Well defined regional and individual vineyard characteristics. Bass Phillip display flavours which are characteristic of the region and their individual vineyards. Deep mineral-rich soils, natural high humidity, and cooler temperatures in South Gippsland is also part of the magic that delivers the length, complexity, flavors, balanced acidity, and natural minerality to Bass Phillip wines. It's mouthfilling and round, with complex sweet fruits. Perfectly balanced, clean, lingering fruits in the finish. Powerful.
Nose - Wild Forest Berries, Cherry, Violets
It signals the arrival of fragrant small berry fruits, from cherry to blackberry, the palate bringing the full suite of pinot aromas and flavours.
Palate - Raspberry, Blackberries, Fresh Herbs
Complexity, flavours, balanced acidity, and natural minerality to Bass Phillip wines.
Finish - Sandalwood, Sweet Spices, Floral Lift
Fresh acid and subtle floral elegance to finish.
Excellent colour, deep but clear. It signals the arrival of fragrant small berry fruits, from cherry to blackberry, the palate bringing the full suite of pinot aromas and flavours. If this were the top wine of the portfolio you would be wholly satisfied.- James Halliday, 96 Points.
Like their Crown Prince 2017, this has an immediate and powerful sense of Pinosity, combining the most gorgeous fruit with smoked meat, black cherry, fresh acid and subtle floral elegance to finish. - Jancis Robinson, 17.5+/20 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Gippsland, VIC
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
