Hailing from an original Bass Phillip grower vineyard planted at high density in 1990, this wine is grown on north-facing rows on an easterly aspect over deep, basalt-rich clay loam soils. 100% de-stemmed, small-batch wild yeast ferments with gentle extraction over extended maceration. Matured in seasoned French oak puncheons (500L) for 9 months, selected from the finest two barrels of the vintage — an extremely limited production of just two puncheons.
This sits deeper and more brooding in the glass with lovely concentration to the perfume while not being remotely close to weighty. Dark cherry, clove, nutmeg, terra cotta, gentle five spice, raspberry, caraway seed and faint pops of potpourri adding a subtly sweet tone. There’s lovely expressive concentration on the palate with the wine gliding through the mouth while wrapped up in a sheath of silty, fanning tannins that spread the wine out through the back palate. There’s a cooling mineral feel that permeates the wine, too, adding lift and intrigue. This is a very smart Pinot with shape, intensity, complexity, levity and vim. A joy to taste, start to finish. 94 Points - Tom Kline Wine Pilot August 2026
VINEYARD
- Leongatha Vineyard, South Gippsland
- North facing rows, on an easterly aspect
- Deep, basalt rich clay loam soils
- Vineyard planted in 1990
WINEMAKING
- 100% de-stemmed, naturally fermented for 18 days
- Pressed to older puncheons (500L French Barrels)
- Barrel Selection - only 1000L
