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.
About this wine: Shiraz has made a couple of cameos in Bannockburn’s 1314 range over the years, but from the 2024, its place is now locked on. As with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, vine age plays a significant role in the quality here, especially considering the price. The fruit hails from the both Bannockburn’s historic, 1974-planted Range vineyard as well as 1990 and 1996 vines on the Winery Block. Picked for brightness, the fruit was destemmed and fermented on skins for seven days before being pressed off to mostly old hogsheads (10% new) for nine months’ maturation. Bearing all the hallmarks of a great Shiraz vintage, it is vibrant and inky with ripe plums, dark cherries, and meaty notes trailed by hints of blood, violet and spice jostling out the glass. The palate is svelte and juicy with dark fruit and pepper spice framed by fine, dusky tannins. A touch of earthy minerality adds complexity to a wine that already overdelivers.
95 points, Philip Rich, The Wine Companion “Made from estate-grown fruit and matured in hogsheads (10% new). Just as good, if not better, than last year’s impressive and very well-priced release. An impressive crimson purple colour. Aromas of dark fruits, freshly cracked black pepper, florals and spice all precede the richly flavoured, gently structured and very well-balanced palate. This is a wine that will look even better over the next four to six years.”
RRP $28 Our Special Price $23.50 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
