Overview
A highly regarded Gippsland Pinot Noir from Bass Phillip’s Leongatha vineyard, the 2022 Estate Pinot Noir combines fragrant red fruit, delicate savoury complexity and finely textured tannins with the natural acidity and mineral character that define the estate. Exceptionally low yields in 2022 delivered fruit of impressive concentration and quality, producing a poised Pinot Noir with immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development.
Vintage
The 2022 growing season began with wet, cool conditions and significant early disease pressure, affecting flowering and fruit set and reducing yields by approximately 50%. Summer and autumn brought warmer conditions, with 428mm of rainfall recorded over the growing period. Pinot Noir from the Leongatha vineyard was handpicked between 7 March and 8 April as the fruit ripened progressively. Yields were exceptionally low at approximately 2 tonnes per hectare, with Bass Phillip reporting very high fruit quality and good acid and pH balance.
Vineyard
Bass Phillip’s vineyards in South Gippsland benefit from deep mineral-rich soils, naturally high humidity and the moderating influences of the surrounding hills and nearby Bass Strait. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 1993 and biodynamically since 2002, without irrigation. Close planting, low yields, old vines and meticulous canopy management are central to the estate’s approach.
Winemaking
The bunches were carefully sorted before destemming, with whole berries gently transferred to open fermenters and only a minimal addition of SO2. Fermentation began naturally, usually within four days, with hand plunging from the outset. After approximately 10–14 days, the wine was drained and the skins gently pressed, with the press wine combined with the free-run wine before settling and gravity transfer to barrel.
Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in barrel. The Estate Pinot Noir was selected from barrels of the Leongatha vineyard, with 17% new, lightly toasted, extra-tight-grain oak used in 2022. The wine matured in barrel for 12 months before being gravity-decanted from its lees to a blending tank. It was bottled in July 2023 without fining or filtration.
Producer Tasting Notes
“Fragrant potpourri of aromas, rose petals and red berry notes, with a hint of China tea; the very essence of Pinot Noir. A classic iron fist in a velvet glove palate. A lush fruit driven middle, enveloped by powdery tannins with delicious flavours that dance delicately across the palate.” — Bass Phillip
Reviewed January 2023
Critic Reviews
96 Points — James Suckling
“Perfumed aromas of wild blackberries, rose petals, blueberry bush and forest floor. The palate is tightly wound, with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of dark cherries, cocoa and cured meat. A well-constructed wine that will evolve nicely in the bottle. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.”
Tasted November 2024
96 Points — Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
“As all BP wines are under cork, this and the Reserve both appeared forward and lacked freshness, opening a second bottle of each had them in tip-top condition. So, this is positively spritely with bright acidity an undercurrent to the ripe fruit flavours. Expect cherries and exotic spices, chinotto/amaro, a whiff of menthol with a slinky, supple palate full of plush tannins. Concentrated, beckoning and an excellent estate pinot.”
Published 23 May 2024
Awards
Gold Medal — TEXSOM International Wine Awards, 2025.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2022
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Producer: Bass Phillip
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Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
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Region: South Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
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Vineyard: Leongatha Vineyard
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Viticulture: Organic since 1993; biodynamic since 2002; no irrigation
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Harvest: Handpicked
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Fermentation: Natural fermentation in open fermenters
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Maturation: 12 months in oak barrels
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New Oak: 17%
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Production: No fining or filtration
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Alcohol: 13.9%
