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.
As we have said before, under Matt Holmes, the style of Bannockburn Pinot Noir is now less extravagant than that of his predecessors. Today we see more purity and balance, more harmony in the glass derived in part from the benefits of organic viticulture and partly from decisions made in the winery: a more pragmatic use of whole bunches and an earlier bottling regime.
This first-rate release brings together Bannockburn’s entire spectrum of Pinot vineyards. The 2024 includes fruit from Olive Tree Hill, planted in 1976, 10 Rows (1991), Stuart Block (1997), Anns Block (2004). The cream on top? The close-planted De La Terre block planted in 2007. All the sites lie in volcanic loam and dark clay over a limestone base and are planted to various clones, mainly MV6 with a smattering of the Dijon (or Bernard) clones. Fruit from each block fermented separately, with approximately 20% bunches included and a small portion undergoing carbonic maceration. The wine was pressed to hogsheads and puncheons (25% new) for 10 months’ maturation.
It’s a Pinot that soars from the glass, perfumed and layered with flowers, spice, earth, wispy reduction and brambly berry fruits. Dive in! There’s an abundance of charm and character, with a bright, tight core of flavour framed by fine tannins and invigorating acidity. If this were Bannockburn’s top Pinot, that would be enough! Like the Chardonnay, it is a profound Bannockburn that will love the cellar. But who are we kidding? Show it plenty of air and serve with roast duck.
95 points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion “A light, bright cherry red. Red fruited, with wild hedgerow, roses and a melange of spices. This is really lifted and perfumed on the bouquet. Light to medium bodied, this builds nicely across the palate with superfine and persistent tannins and bright acidity, giving the wine both structure and length. I can see this filling out very nicely over the next few years.”
94+ points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “All the herbs and spices, of course, but the shells of nuts, woodsmoke, a chicory element and whispers of both black coffee and black tea, all of which swirl around sound, sure-footed cherry-berry fruit flavours. This wine is as complex as it is assured, its sinewy tannin finessed into place, its flavours cascading out through the finish. This will age beautifully, and is best consumed with at least another few years under its belt.”
RRP $80 *Our Special Price $61.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine* – LIMITED TIME AT THIS PRICE
