Bass Phillip is a renowned winery in southeastern Australia, specializing in high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines with an uncompromising winemaking approach driven by respect for nature. The vineyards have been organic since 1993 and biodynamic since 2002, with wine production processes guided by cosmic rhythms. The wines are made in a simple and traditional manner, with low-cropped vineyards, no irrigation, and minimal intervention in the winery. Bass Phillip wines have entered a new phase of growth with the entry of Jean-Marie Fourrier and associates in April 2020. Fourrier's winemaking philosophy follows the practices of the legendary Henry Jayer, making great wines begin in the vineyard and he will take an active and primary role in the management of the vineyards and the wine production process as Chief Winemaker of Bass Phillip wines. Bass Phillip wines are known for their vibrant fruit, considerable delicacy, and strong minerality and natural acidity. They improve with age and can be cellared for well over twenty years. The three wines at the top of the Bass Phillip hierarchy have always come from the same original 1979 main vineyard in Leongatha. Bass Phillip's first Pinot Noir was made in 1984, and the first commercial release took place in 1991. The Reserve, Premium, and Estate Pinot Noirs were separately vinified in the 1989 vintage, following five years of research into the separate vattings.
Gippsland is a wine region and zone named after a former Governor of Victoria, extending from just east of Melbourne through to the southern NSW border. The modern revival of the region's viticulture occurred in the 1970s, and it is a vast geographical region divided into three areas - South, East, and West. South Gippsland is a cool climate area with significant maritime influence, making it ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. East Gippsland has a more Mediterranean style climate, while West Gippsland is the driest and warmest area. Soil compositions vary across the region and the principal varieties are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Gippsland is dominated by small family-run estates and has a reputation for fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Bass Phillip Gewurztraminer has a very small production and was originally created as a "hobby wine". It boasts strong varietal and floral aromas, along with a refreshing and deep taste. The natural acidity provides a solid backbone and the pronounced minerality adds to its complexity. The palate is long and satisfying. After four years in the bottle, this wine tends to develop a chewy texture and a fuller body. The grapes for this wine come from the Leongatha Vineyard, which has 9,000 vines per hectare. The vineyard uses small plot cropping at around 1.0 tonne per acre. The resulting wine is gentle and possesses good acidity. It is often fermented in oak and aged for approximately 12 months in stainless steel.
The Bass Phillip Gewurztraminer 2016 is a wine that takes a moment to reveal its true character. Initially shy, it opens up with delicate lychee fruit, lime leaf and unripe apricot aromas. On the palate, it is spicy and dry with a lovely balance of fruit and acidity. The wine is medium-bodied with medium acidity, some fruitiness, low tannins, medium alcohol and a hint of oak. It has a long finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. This wine is made from the Gewürztraminer grape and hails from the Gippsland region of Australia. Bass Phillip, the winemaker, has produced a vegan wine using traditional production methods. The wine is best enjoyed within 3-5 years of its vintage date, allowing it to reach its full potential. Overall, this Gewurztraminer is a delightful wine that will please both novice and experienced wine drinkers alike.
Pale straw colour, a little shy but showing delicate lychee fruit, medium weight, texture. Spicy, dry, lovely balance of fruit and acid. Delicious early drinking. - Andrew Jenkins, The Wandering Palate
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Gewurztraminer
Country - Australia
Region - Gippsland, VIC
Vintage - 2016
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.4%
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