Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2025

Product Description:
Savoury complexity, mature-vine concentration and finely controlled structure define the Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2025, a distinctive cool-climate expression from Victoria’s Geelong region. The wine is produced entirely from estate-grown Pinot Noir sourced from vineyards planted between 1976 and 2007. Fruit is drawn from Olive Tree Hill, planted in 1976, 10 Rows, planted in 1991, Stuart Block, planted in 1997, Anns Block, planted in 2004, and the densely planted De La Terre vineyard, established in 2007. Its clonal composition includes MV6 alongside Dijon clones 114, 115 and 777, bringing together fruit from vineyards with different vine ages, spacings and planting densities. Bannockburn’s established vines, low yields and limestone-influenced soils contribute to the wine’s concentrated fruit, earthy character and savoury depth.

Each vineyard parcel was handpicked and fermented separately using indigenous yeast, with approximately 20% whole bunches retained across the final blend. A portion of the fruit also underwent carbonic maceration, adding aromatic lift and freshness to the wine’s more savoury profile. Following fermentation and pressing, the wine was transferred to a combination of French oak hogsheads and puncheons, of which approximately 25% were new. It remained undisturbed in oak for 10 months before the individual parcels were blended and bottled. The 2025 growing season was unusually warm and dry and resulted in Bannockburn’s earliest recorded harvest, while timely rainfall and careful vineyard management maintained fruit health, balance and integrity. Bright cherry and wild berry flavours are complemented by rose petal, cracked spice, dried herbs, cedar and subtle forest-floor nuances. The palate combines supple fruit with vibrant acidity and finely woven tannins, delivering concentration without excessive weight. Earthy spice and savoury detail continue through the mid-palate before a long, composed and finely etched finish. Its balance, tannin structure and sustained savoury character indicate strong potential for development over the coming decade.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Perfumed and savoury
Red cherry, wild berries, rose petal and cedar layered with cracked spice, dried herbs and subtle forest-floor notes.

PALATE
– Supple and finely structured
Ripe cherry and berry fruit carried by bright acidity, earthy spice and fine, persistent tannins.

FINISH
– Long and composed
Lingering savoury fruit, dried herbs, spice and earthy nuances with a finely etched tannic line.

Reviews & Accolades
“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.” — Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 97 Points

“Medium ruby red hue. Dark cherry, anise and cinnamon aromatics. Medium weighted with dark red cherry fruit, cola spice and a hint of smoky wood. Wonderful length with a supple richness that glides long. Fine tannins keep it in check and allow the finish to open out, lingering for an eternity on the back of the palate. A delightful and expressive pinot noir.” — Stuart Knox, The Real Review, 96 Points

“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, 95 Points

Finer Details:
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Pinot Noir
Country – Australia
Region – Victoria, Geelong
Vintage – 2025
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 13.5%