Product Description
The Bass Phillip Premium Chardonnay 2019 is an exquisite expression of Gippsland’s unique terroir, crafted from vines planted in 1979. Known for their low yields, these vines produce highly concentrated fruit, ensuring a wine with impressive depth and complexity. The 2019 vintage offers a bouquet of ripe peach, melon, and refreshing citrus, complemented by delicate layers of spice, oak, and nuttiness. The oak influence is seamlessly integrated, enhancing the wine’s structure without overpowering the natural fruit characteristics.
On the palate, the wine is rich and well-rounded, with a silky texture and balanced acidity. The complexity of flavours continues to evolve with time, and the wine will undoubtedly develop further with cellaring, becoming even more refined and layered. This Chardonnay epitomises Bass Phillip’s commitment to quality, precision, and the utmost respect for nature, making it a standout example of Australian winemaking. Drink now or cellar for further complexity.
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, Melon, Citrus
A vibrant bouquet of ripe peach, melon, and refreshing citrus, with underlying hints of spice and oak, offering an inviting and complex aromatic profile.
Palate
Complex, Rich, Balanced
The palate is rich and well-rounded, with integrated layers of spice, oak, and nuttiness. The wine’s bright acidity provides balance, enhancing the complexity and length of flavour.
Finish
Silky, Elegant, Evolving
The finish is silky and smooth, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and subtle oak. As the wine ages, its complexity will deepen, providing a more nuanced and refined drinking experience.
Reviews + Accolades
Revealing its secrets quietly, discreetly, this Chardonnay is a complex, mineral-laden wine. The lemon-balm, green-tea, wild-herb and sea-smoke aromas knit seamlessly together. The palate shows restraint and precision. It slips and slides, buoyed by a pristine line of acidity and long, focused flavor. Drink until 2032. - Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast - 96 Points
Light to mid-yellow colour. There's a lot of coconut on the nose, possibly from stirred lees in barrel—aldehydes? But not oxidation. Hints of smoked charcuterie. Nutty and subtle buttery accents, too. The wine is medium-bodied and soft-textured, smooth, rounded and supple, the balance dry but gentle and the acidity harmonious. Seamless across the tongue. A very attractive and detailed wine, strong on artifact. A complex, more Burgundy-like, less fruit-emphasised style than most Australian chardonnay. - Huon Hooke (The Real Review), 95 Points
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Gippsland, VIC
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.8%
