Minor Label Damage
Overview
The 2015 Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir is one of Australia's most celebrated expressions of Pinot Noir, renowned for its remarkable concentration, elegance and exceptional ageing potential. Sourced from a tiny, low-yielding vineyard in Gippsland, Victoria, this flagship wine combines extraordinary fruit density with finely woven tannins, vibrant acidity and profound complexity. The 2015 vintage has received outstanding critical acclaim, including 97-point ratings from Huon Hooke and Jeremy Oliver.
Vineyard
The Reserve Pinot Noir originates from Bass Phillip's original estate vineyard in Leongatha, South Gippsland, planted in 1979. The intensely concentrated fruit comes from extremely low-yielding vines planted at approximately 9,000 vines per hectare, producing around 270 grams of fruit per vine. The Reserve selection is primarily based on five rows of MV6 heritage Pinot Noir clones, descendants of vine material first imported to Australia by James Busby in 1832.
The vineyard's distinctive soil composition, relatively cool growing conditions and high humidity contribute to the wine's naturally balanced acidity, vibrant energy and expression of terroir.
Winemaking
Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir is produced in extremely limited quantities, with meticulous attention to vineyard selection and winemaking. The Reserve is traditionally matured in new Allier French oak for up to 20 months and bottled unfiltered, preserving the wine's concentration, texture and complexity.
Producer Tasting Notes
Typically this wine possesses an extraordinary multi-dimensional experience with superb fruit density and beautiful silken tannins. Expect evolution in the glass, with aromas of pure, dark cherries, red plums and cranberries, before transforming into frankincense, wood varnish and gardenias.
Critic Reviews
97/100 — Huon Hooke
“The density, concentration and fleshy extract are mightily impressive, as is the prodigious length.”
97/100 — Jeremy Oliver
Reviewed 2016
96/100 — Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
“Medium bodied, silky and precise, with delectable savoury and fruit sweet switching”
Drink 2020–2040
96/100 — Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
“There’s power and complexity and more to come.”
Published 19 June 2021
Producer
Bass Phillip is one of Australia's most prestigious Pinot Noir producers, established by Phillip Jones in South Gippsland, Victoria. Its original 3.5-hectare estate vineyard was planted in 1979, with the first Pinot Noir produced in 1984. The estate has built an international reputation for producing exceptionally refined, age-worthy Pinot Noir, characterised by vibrant fruit, delicacy, minerality and natural acidity.
The Reserve Pinot Noir represents the pinnacle of the estate's production, sourced from carefully selected rows of the original vineyard. Its combination of concentration, elegance and individuality has established Bass Phillip among Australia's most sought-after Pinot Noir producers.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2015
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Producer: Bass Phillip
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Wine: Reserve Pinot Noir
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Country: Australia
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Region: Gippsland, Victoria
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Subregion: South Gippsland, Leongatha
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Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 13.3%
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Vineyard: Original Bass Phillip Estate Vineyard
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Vineyard Planting: 1979
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Vine Density: Approximately 9,000 vines per hectare
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Clone: Predominantly MV6 heritage Pinot Noir
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Maturation: Traditionally up to 20 months in new Allier French oak
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Filtration: Unfiltered
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Drinking Window: 2027–2035 (Jeremy Oliver); 2020–2040 (Gary Walsh)
