More than most Australian wine names, Bass Phillip have built a worldwide reputation of championing classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir expressions that emerge from low-cropped vines, and a zero irrigation/minimal intervention approach in the southern parts of Gippsland, Victoria. More than anything, since the late 1970s, they have remained wines entirely characteristic of their place, emerging from mineral-rich soils and naturally high humidity through the days, and cooling temperatures that sweep through the night over their free-draining silty loam soils. This eternal balance they strike compounds the structured flavour density and fine acid profiles that many collectors seek out come every limited release window, and their reputation has only grown since the arrival of Jean-Marie Fourrier (of Domaine Fourrier) in 2020, managing the vineyards and bringing a wealth of Burgundian experience.
We're thrilled to announce we've taken stock of the latest 2024 vintage in both their Estate Chardonnay, as well as the Estate and Premium Pinot Noir. As one can pick out from the full release note down below, the yields this release are lower than previous years, with a cold windy spell through the season that meant lowered overall output, though gracefully followed by a slow long ripening period with extended hang time. As such, the '24s impart a tremendous sense of forward racy flavour and accompanying mid-palate spine that will ensure cellaring potential over the next few decades. The Estate Chardonnay is a plush and exotic one this year, with plenty of fuzzy peach, nectarine, orange peel and flicks of butter and oaky roundness. The Estate Pinot is filled to the brim with licorice, cherry, baking spice and forest floor earthiness, while the Premium Pinot remains tightly-coiled in terms of primary appeal right now, but is showing serious intent with its richly-endowed minerality and tannic grip. As many know, at its very finest, few Aussie Pinots can stand up against the Premium Pinot Noir once it blossoms into itself, and we can already sense this '24 will be a proper marvel in even just a few years time.
Each one is of limited availability, and once sold, will remain gone until the next release window! So we advise all fans and followers to jump in quickly, while they stay on special for the next week.
Release note -
"The 2024 growing season at Bass Phillip has delivered a vintage defined by exceptional quality and structural intensity. In the cool, maritime climate of South Gippsland, we often face the vagaries of nature during flowering; this year, a cold and windy spell resulted in a slightly reduced total yield of 32.3 tons. However, for the dedicated collector, this smaller crop is a harbinger of excellence. The reduced yield has produced fruit with a high skin-to-juice ratio, translating into wines of profound concentration, vibrant natural acidity, and beautifully integrated tannins. While the 2023 season was characterized by a swifter ripening process, 2024 was a year of patience. The cooler temperatures allowed for an extended hang time, with harvest concluding in late March. This gradual, even ripening has endowed the 2024 wines with a level of flavour complexity and aromatic precision that is truly distinctive. The Pinot Noirs possess the deep concentration and structural "spine" that ensure they will evolve magnificently in the cellar for years to come. In summary, 2024 is a vintage of balance and power—a testament to the slow, cool ripening that makes Bass Phillip one of the world's most unique sites."
Estate Chardonnay 2024-
On special this week for $98 ($109 RRP)
(Very limited availability)
"A creamy Chardonnay, quite peachy and opulent with a hint of toffee but also with some bright citrus notes wafting in the background. The palate is round and supple, soft acid, mouth- watering ripe peach flavours fill the palate and certainly made to be enjoyed now." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2024 Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay is impressive delivering a powerful and exotic blend of nectarine and brown pear aromas with a nice touch of orange peel wrapped up in a cocoon of high quality French oak. Quite densely flavoured yet remains light on its feet thanks to a gentle bite of acidity which holds through to a finish of extreme length. Quite tight and yet to flower but its future is assured." - 94 Points, Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot
Estate Pinot Noir 2024-
On special this week for $115 ($129 RRP)
(Limited availability)
"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." - Winemaker Notes
"This 2024 Estate Pinot Noir is fine and fragrant opening up with red licorice, old leather, earth and spice aromas with immaculate purity of fruit. Understated with an earthy core of flavour while tangy acidity adds bite to a lingering, fresh and licorice root scented finish. Charming now but sure to build over the medium term." - 92 Points, Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot
Premium Pinot Noir 2024-
On special this week for $265 ($295 RRP)
(Very limited availability)
"Glace cherries and savory, dusty notes greet the nose initially but also showing hints of vanilla and spice; refined and poised at this stage but rest assured complexity will crescendo with time. The palate is svelte and satiny, lovely balance, resolved and complete with lovely length that will only get better with age. If drunk young we recommend decanting for an hour or so." - Winemaker Notes
"Deep ruby to garnet with bold, bright red cherry to red plum and Campari aromas, laced with broken rock mineral nuances, the palate firm and tense with grip and serious intent, and took a while to open up and reveal its wonderful display of fruit. Firm and somewhat shy at first pour, with oak still evident, it has great depth and should reveal even more if given time. Pour it into as big-bowl glass." - 97 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above
Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions.
// Special prices valid through until Wednesday 22nd of July