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The Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 is the pinnacle of Bass Phillip’s wine portfolio, showcasing the finest expression of the estate’s terroir and meticulous winemaking techniques. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this Pinot Noir is layered, complex, and built for aging. The 2021 vintage features deep black cherry aromas interwoven with notes of wood spice, cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of sweet, earthy compost. These aromas continue to evolve in the glass, revealing a multi-faceted personality that reflects the unique characteristics of the Gippsland region.
On the palate, the wine is silky and fine, with a tightly wound structure and impressive depth. The 60% new oak used for 14 months of maturation contributes to the wine's structure, yet does so in a way that respects the quality of the fruit, allowing the pure expression of the vineyard to shine through. The wine is still tightly knit at this stage, but as it ages, the fruit and flavours will soften, lengthening over time to deliver an exceptional drinking experience. Scoring 97 points from Jane Faulkner, the Reserve Pinot Noir is a wine that will stand alongside the best in the world.
With a focus on low yields from close-planted vines and careful barrel selection, the 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir is a remarkable wine that will reward cellaring over the next 5-6 years and beyond.
The Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 is the pinnacle of Bass Phillip’s wine portfolio, showcasing the finest expression of the estate’s terroir and meticulous winemaking techniques. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this Pinot Noir is layered, complex, and built for aging. The 2021 vintage features deep black cherry aromas interwoven with notes of wood spice, cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of sweet, earthy compost. These aromas continue to evolve in the glass, revealing a multi-faceted personality that reflects the unique characteristics of the Gippsland region.
On the palate, the wine is silky and fine, with a tightly wound structure and impressive depth. The 60% new oak used for 14 months of maturation contributes to the wine's structure, yet does so in a way that respects the quality of the fruit, allowing the pure expression of the vineyard to shine through. The wine is still tightly knit at this stage, but as it ages, the fruit and flavours will soften, lengthening over time to deliver an exceptional drinking experience. Scoring 97 points from Jane Faulkner, the Reserve Pinot Noir is a wine that will stand alongside the best in the world.
With a focus on low yields from close-planted vines and careful barrel selection, the 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir is a remarkable wine that will reward cellaring over the next 5-6 years and beyond.
The story of Bass Phillip began in the early 1970s when the first vineyard site was selected 15 kilometres south of Leongatha, based on climatic and topographical observations. The location benefits from South Gippsland's unique conditions—mountains to the north and the ocean to the south—creating the ideal environment for slow grape ripening. In 1998, a 7.5-hectare vineyard was planted in Leongatha’s hinterland, primarily featuring Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with small plantings of Gewurztraminer and Nebbiolo. Together, these plantings total over 10 hectares of closely managed, low-yielding vines that produce wines with depth, length, and complexity.
Bass Phillip has embraced organic practices since 1993 and biodynamic farming since 2002. The vineyard's natural processes, including no irrigation and meticulous canopy management, allow the terroir to shine in the wines. The deep, mineral-rich soils combined with South Gippsland's climate contribute to the unique flavour profile of Bass Phillip’s wines, which are made using minimal intervention and traditional winemaking methods. Founder Phillip Jones spent years refining his craft before entering the Australian market, where his Pinot Noirs have earned top accolades from both local and international critics. Today, Bass Phillip’s Pinot Noirs are among Australia’s most sought-after, sold on allocation and rarely seen on the secondary market.
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.
A bouquet of deep black cherry, wood spice, cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of sweet, earthy compost. The aromas are layered and continue to evolve, revealing a multi-faceted and complex profile.
The palate is rich and silky, with tightly wound structure and impressive depth. Lush fruit notes are enveloped by fine, powdery tannins, with flavours of dark fruit and subtle oak spice, offering a complex and balanced experience.
A long and elegant finish, with fine tannins and lingering fruit that continues to develop in complexity as the wine ages. The wine has excellent potential for cellaring, with flavours lengthening and softening over time.
Product Information:
The Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 is the pinnacle of Bass Phillip’s wine portfolio, showcasing the finest expression of the estate’s terroir and meticulous winemaking techniques. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this Pinot Noir is layered, complex, and built for aging. The 2021 vintage features deep black cherry aromas interwoven with notes of wood spice, cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of sweet, earthy compost. These aromas continue to evolve in the glass, revealing a multi-faceted personality that reflects the unique characteristics of the Gippsland region.
On the palate, the wine is silky and fine, with a tightly wound structure and impressive depth. The 60% new oak used for 14 months of maturation contributes to the wine's structure, yet does so in a way that respects the quality of the fruit, allowing the pure expression of the vineyard to shine through. The wine is still tightly knit at this stage, but as it ages, the fruit and flavours will soften, lengthening over time to deliver an exceptional drinking experience. Scoring 97 points from Jane Faulkner, the Reserve Pinot Noir is a wine that will stand alongside the best in the world.
With a focus on low yields from close-planted vines and careful barrel selection, the 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir is a remarkable wine that will reward cellaring over the next 5-6 years and beyond.
Maker:
The story of Bass Phillip began in the early 1970s when the first vineyard site was selected 15 kilometres south of Leongatha, based on climatic and topographical observations. The location benefits from South Gippsland's unique conditions—mountains to the north and the ocean to the south—creating the ideal environment for slow grape ripening. In 1998, a 7.5-hectare vineyard was planted in Leongatha’s hinterland, primarily featuring Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with small plantings of Gewurztraminer and Nebbiolo. Together, these plantings total over 10 hectares of closely managed, low-yielding vines that produce wines with depth, length, and complexity.
Bass Phillip has embraced organic practices since 1993 and biodynamic farming since 2002. The vineyard's natural processes, including no irrigation and meticulous canopy management, allow the terroir to shine in the wines. The deep, mineral-rich soils combined with South Gippsland's climate contribute to the unique flavour profile of Bass Phillip’s wines, which are made using minimal intervention and traditional winemaking methods. Founder Phillip Jones spent years refining his craft before entering the Australian market, where his Pinot Noirs have earned top accolades from both local and international critics. Today, Bass Phillip’s Pinot Noirs are among Australia’s most sought-after, sold on allocation and rarely seen on the secondary market.
Philosophy:
Bass Phillip’s winemaking philosophy centres around simplicity, low cropping, and minimal intervention. Each wine is an authentic expression of its regional and vineyard characteristics. The deep mineral-rich soils of South Gippsland, combined with the region’s natural high humidity and cooler temperatures, contribute to the wines' length, complexity, balanced acidity, and natural minerality. Bass Phillip wines are powerful yet elegant, with mouth-filling textures and complex sweet fruit flavours. They are perfectly balanced with lingering, clean fruit on the finish, making them exceptional for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging.
Jean-Marie Fourrier, legendary Burgundian winemaker, joined the Bass Phillip management team in 2020, bringing his knowledge and experience to help develop fine wines with texture and complexity. In fact, Fourrier's relationship with Bass Phillip goes back over 20 years, having consulted for the domaine back in 2002. Fourrier developed an early appreciation for Bass Phillip wines, as it would often turn up as an impressive mystery wine at high-rolling Burgundy tastings in Hong Kong. With his brother-in-law and his wife already living in Australia plus their historical ties, Fourrier felt 'all the stars aligned', when the possibility to take over came. Since 2021, with Fourrier's Aussie brother in-law Adam 'Skip' Francis has been working the grounds, while Fourrier oversees the farming and production adding French Burgundian know-how to the Aussie icon.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Complex, Deep, Evolving
A bouquet of deep black cherry, wood spice, cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of sweet, earthy compost. The aromas are layered and continue to evolve, revealing a multi-faceted and complex profile.
Palate
Silky, Tight, Fruit-Driven
The palate is rich and silky, with tightly wound structure and impressive depth. Lush fruit notes are enveloped by fine, powdery tannins, with flavours of dark fruit and subtle oak spice, offering a complex and balanced experience.
Finish
Long, Elegant, Evolving
A long and elegant finish, with fine tannins and lingering fruit that continues to develop in complexity as the wine ages. The wine has excellent potential for cellaring, with flavours lengthening and softening over time.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Gippsland, Victoria
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.8%