Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir 2021

Description

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, EvolvingA bouquet of deep black cherry, wood spice, cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of sweet, earthy compost. The aromas are layered and continue to