97 Points - Philip Rich
Bannockburn Vineyards was established by the late Stuart Hooper in 1974; his vision was to create a vineyard which would produce Australian wine of a quality to emulate the great wines of France, in particular top-line Burgundies. Bannockburn continues to realise Hooper's vision under winemaker Matthew Holmes who commenced making wine at Bannockburn in 2015.
The 2025 Bannockburn Pinot Noir is sourced from estate vineyards including Olive Tree Hill, 10 Rows, Stuart Block, Ann’s Block, and De La Terre, handpicked parcels were wild fermented separately with about 20% whole bunch, then aged in French hogsheads and puncheons (25% new oak) for 10 months on lees before blending.
Another epic Pinot from Bannockburn, this is perfumed and layered with flowers, spice, earth, wispy reduction and brambly berry fruits. The palate offers plenty of red and dark fruit with earthy, savoury depth, fine tannins, and a long finish. This is another top line Bannockburn Pinot Noir that will reward medium term ageing in cellar.
"97 Points. From vines planted between 1976 and 2007; 20% whole bunches, 25% new oak. A lovely Bannockburn pinot noir. Opens with perfumed aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, rose bush and subtle cardamom and nutmeg spice. Medium bodied on the palate, with an excellent core of fruit, yet it's equally light on its feet. The tannins are sinewy and in perfect harmony with the fruit. Very long. Delicious now and will be even better in six to 10 years. Drink: 2027 - 2037. 13.5% alc. Screwcap"- Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion.
"95 Points. The first word that came to mind was unsweet. I’m not even sure that’s a word. This is a particularly earthen Pinot Noir with root vegetable characters running through black cherry, chicory, woodsmoke and fistfuls of roasted spices. I’m tempted to call this Pinot Noir for grown-ups but that’s a silly phrase so I’ll refrain. We get beautiful, fine-meshed, grapey tannin here, and sinewy characters, and a genuine, savoury push of flavour through the finish. I’m as certain as I can be that this wine will mature well."- Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front.
