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 from new winemaker Matt Holmes and from this we can tell a great Australian Estate is clearly in safe hands.
The popularity of this baby Bannockburn suggests this wine needs little introduction. Named for the year of the Battle of Bannockburn, the 1314 is an early drinking version of Pinot from this highly regarded producer.
2022 was an exceptional vintage in Victoria and winemaker Matt Holmes says “2022 is better than both 2021 and 2020. It was a year that gave fruit with great acidities and concentration .. There’s an immediate appeal and charm to the 2022s. Where patience was required for the 2021s, these are good to go” Matt speaks of the stability now in place across all aspects of Bannockburn, and how this enables him to keep driving quality regardless of the season. “The vines and soils are really healthy, so we’re making more consistent wines each year,” It’s no coincidence the quality of Bannockburn’s wines has never been higher.
This was sourced from the whole gamut of Bannockburn’s Pinot blocks, planted in 1976, 1997 and 2007. And, like last year’s wine, the blend this year also benefits from healthy slug of the estate’s iconic (and certified organic) close-planted vineyards. The fruit was mostly destemmed and includes a measure of whole-bunch (20%) as well as a carbonic element. It was fermented wild and raised with 20% new oak (made from France’s prized, and expensive, Tronçais oak).
Now a bona-fide mini Bannockburn Pinot, this new release kicks off with bright, sappy and crunchy red fruits before finding Bannockburn’s familiar undergrowth and savoury nuances. It’s pretty and poised with a silken wave of ripe floral and berry flavours entwined in sinewy tannins and bright acidity. The finish is both intense and elegant. It’s a wine that should be on every Pinot lover’s shopping list. And according to Matt “the best 1314 release in the last three years”.
RRP $38 Our Price $33.99 – LAST of this vintage.
