Description
Since its establishment by Stuart Reginald Hooper in 1974, Bannockburn Vineyards has been at the vanguard of the Australian fine wine story, producing vineyard specific wines of the highest quality from the start. It lies 25 kilometres northwest of Geelong, located in the Moorabool Valley sub-region, just outside the township of Bannockburn. The estate comprises 26 vineyard blocks – including the iconic Serré vineyard (now the site of Australia’s oldest close-planted Pinot Noir vines) – planted to seven grape varieties, of which Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz form the key quintet. Here, Bannockburn’s predominantly mature vines are rooted in one of Victorias’ most unique low-fertility terroirs; volcanic surface debris and ancient sea beds running to richer and darker soils, layered over predominantly limestone bedrock.
Following almost a decade under the steam train of energy and passion that was Michael Glover, Matt Holmes is the winemaker charged with writing the next chapter of this singular estate, taking over in 2015.
Named for the year of the Battle of Bannockburn, the 1314 is an early drinking version of Pinot from this highly regarded producer.
From the gamut of the Estate’s organically farmed Pinot Noir blocks planted in 1976, 1997 and 2004 to MV6, 114 and 115 clones, 1314 is a bona fide mini–Bannockburn Pinot. As always, this wine saw a healthy slug of fruit from the iconic close-planted blocks and comprises a selection of barrels chosen for their freshness and early drinking appeal. The fruit fermented with 15% bunches, and the wine matured in hogsheads (15% new) for seven months. Even by Bannockburn’s standards, this is pretty damn good. It’s spicy, subtly earthy and floral, very much an expression of Bannockburn, with succulent raspberry and berry fruit and wonderfully slinky tannins. At this price, it’s a rare achievement to deliver a Pinot Noir this accomplished and rooted to place. Then again, this is Bannockburn.
RRP $40 Our Special Price $30.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
