Description
Bannockburn Vineyards (25 kms north west of Geelong) have been one of the trailblazers of Australian fine wine for over 37 years. This is the new winemaker Matt Holmes’ inaugural 1314 and from this we can tell a great Australian Estate is clearly in safe hands. The new 1314 comes from Bannockburn’s Ann’s Pinot block – a site that also feeds Bannockburn’s Pinot proper – planted in 2004/5 to 114, 115 and MV6 clones. In short, it is Estate Bannockburn, grown and made with the same care and attention as all the Estate wines. It is was wild-yeast fermented in open, 4-tonne fermenters before being pressed to French oak barriques (20% new) for 8 months élevage. Perfumed, vibrant, crunchy and pure. Just a delicious little Pinot with oodles of character and breed for the money. Utilizing only 20% whole bunches (previous winemaker Michael Glover’s last 1314 was 100% full stems) Matt may have toned down some of the polarising elements of the historic style, but it’s still very classically Bannockburn Pinot- sappy, spicy and racy yet with excellent depth as well. The stem influence is there but it’s in the slipstream of a vibrant, punchy texture with plenty of fresh, dark cherry fruit to go with the subtle, whole bunch complexity. It’s a bargain. It’s super exciting for the future of Bannockburn. We love it and we hope you will too.