Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay 2016

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. The grapes of Estate Chardonnay are grown in Leongatha South, South Gippsland, Victoria. Bass Phillip employs close planting, extremely low cropping, and refrains from using toxic chemicals, preferring natural winemaking methods. The winery respects the forces of nature, including the Moon, the Planets and the Earth. This Estate chardonnay always boasts intensity, full natural acidity and great length. It has the potential to develop over the next eight years or more. Typically, this wine is matured in around 20% new oak, which adds subtle notes of toasty oak to the lifted citrus and stone fruit aromas. The wine is well balanced, with vibrant fruit and a great acid structure. The toasty oak notes create a well-rounded palate. The Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay 2016 is a medium-bodied, dry wine with high acidity and no fruitiness. It has low tannins, medium alcohol, and a subtle hint of oak. This Chardonnay is a product of the Gippsland region of Australia and was created using organic production methods by Bass Phillip winery. It has the potential to age well, with a recommended cellar period of 5-10 years. On the nose, this wine offers subtle aromas of oak, complemented by hints of citrus and stone fruit. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with a bright acidity that carries through to a long and satisfying finish. The wine is well-balanced and elegant, with a notable absence of fruitiness. “Light, pale gold, showing stone fruits and honeydew melon, some almond meal and spicy notes. Opens up with ripe nectarine and white pear held in check by vibrant acidity. Full mid-palate, long clean finish. A delicious wine for now, and over the next five years.” Andrew Jenkins, The Wandering Palate The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Australia Region – Gippsland, VIC Vintage – 2016 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 12.6%