# Estate Pinot Noir (2020)

- **Producer:** Bass Phillip Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Victoria, Australia
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.2%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red plum, red cherry, black cherry, strawberry, cedar, vanilla, smoke, cloves, mushroom, dried fruit, leather, earth, forest floor

## About this wine

The Bass Phillip Estate Pinot Noir 2020 is a single-varietal Pinot Noir from the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. The grapes are sourced from the Estate vineyard, planted in 1979, and farmed using organic and biodynamic principles. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention to showcase the vineyard's character. The estate was founded by Phillip Jones, and in 2020, Jean-Marie Fourrier became Chief Winemaker, bringing his expertise to the estate's production.

## Interesting facts

- Vines from the original 1979 Estate vineyard.
- Farmed organically since 1993, biodynamically since 2002.
- Low cropping levels, around one tonne per acre.
- Chief Winemaker Jean-Marie Fourrier joined in 2020.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus to full body and fine tannins complement the richness of proteins like duck and lamb, while its complexity can stand up to earthy flavors found in mushrooms and herbs. The wine's natural acidity helps to cut through richer dishes, providing balance.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Bass Phillip Estate Pinot Noir 2020 begins with destemmed grapes that undergo wild yeast fermentation in open stainless steel fermenters. A maceration period of approximately two weeks on skins is employed, with regular plunging. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 14 months, with 25% new oak. The vineyard practices are organic and biodynamic, with dry-farming and meticulous canopy management.