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A complex wine with superb fruit intensity and structure, Bass Phillips Estate Pinot Noir displays vibrant red berry fruit and layers of earthy, minerally complexity that unfurl and evolve over time. The biodynamically managed Estate vineyard is close-planted to 8,500 vines/hectare and cropped at a low one tonne/acre. Soils in the area are free-draining and mineral rich which can encourage high vigour. This, coupled with the regions high rainfall, can lead to disease pressure; therefore, careful management of the canopy is essential. Owner/winemaker Phillip Jones meticulous management of the vineyard ensures the Estate Pinot Noir consistently expresses enchanting fruit purity, multi-layered complexity and a sense of place unlike any other in Australia.

Originating from a unique vineyard site anchored in black volcanic soil, Farrside Pinot Noir is one of Australias finest singe vineyard wines, displaying great structure, tannin backbone and layered complexity. The wine is distinguished by its savoury mineral edge, firm backbone of fine tannin and more resolute, masculine structure. Situated on a north east facing slope, the vine rows of the Farrside vineyard are planted in an east-west orientation providing additional protection from intense summer sunlight.

These wines are renowned as much because of the estates prestigious holdings as for their lush fruit, generous oak and polished countenance. Expect vivid florals and dense blue to darker fruit accents, with abundant spice. There are two major names associated with the domaine. The first is Etienne Camuzet, a political figure, his name frequently appears in litigation to decide which parcels of vineyard might or might not be included as part of a grand cru. His holdings were ultimately bequeathed to a distant relative, Jean Méo. At this stage the vineyards were leased and the wine sold off in bulk. Domaine-bottling only began in 1985 and reached full throttle with the arrival of son, Jean-Nicolas Méo in 1989. Jean-Nicolas focused on the worlds greatest Burgundy markets: the United States and Japan. The other name, however, is the great Henri Jayer. Jayer was a sharecropper early on and the Jean-Nicolas mentor. The Frères et Soeurs label connotes the passing of the baton to the younger generation and the outsourcing of fruit as an upscale negoçe. Based in Vosne, this stands to be a Bourgogne of heady florals and an exotic allure.

The combination of Cabernet and Malbec gives this wine the traditional Cabernet notes, but loaded with blue fruits (blueberryies, plums). Elegant and restrained, with a soft lingering finish.

JEAN-NOEL GAGNARD Cuvee L'Estimee , Chassagne-Montrachet