Bannockburn De La Terre Pinot Noir 2019

Since the 1980s, Bannockburn has been producing wines inspired by Burgundy and truly reflecting the winery’s unique terroir. Gary Farr originally planted the vines, producing wines coming from this unique vineyard in Geelong show a rare sense of place. The next chapter in Bannockburn has since commenced with the appointment of new head winemaker, Matt Holmes. Previously, Matt had been making wine in the Okanagan wine region of British Columbia, Canada. During these 10 years he also worked on additional vintages in France, Italy, New Zealand, and the U.S. Bannockburn De La Terre Pinot Noir 2019 vintage was produced with whole bunch and whole berry fermentation, 20% new oak. De la Terre vineyard meaning ‘of the earth’. Cola, cherry, beetroot and spice aromatics lead into a savoury and complex palate featuring fine tannin and well-integrated oak. There’s a fair amount of wildness here in that it’s slung with sap and herb notes but it’s also taut, controlled and lengthy; for all the frolic it feels confidently handled. That said, let me be doubly clear: this is a sappy style. It has tangy acidity, stem-like notes, tangerine and red cherry, earth and an aspect of rhubarb. It’s all these things but it’s also cohesive. Cedarwood oak slips around and helps combine it all. It can be enjoyed now but its best will start from a couple of years hence. – Campbell Mattinson, winefront.com.au, November 2021, 94 points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – Australia Region – Geelong, Victoria Vintage – 2019 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.3%