- South Gippsland, VIC - $30-$50
- Cork
- 12.8% alc
Made using minimalist winemaker intervention and released in judiciously small quantities, Bass Phillip's exquisite portfolio of pinot noir is unquestionably Australia's benchmark. As I dug through the bin ends at a local liquor store on the weekend I spotted a bottle of Bass Phillip's entry level Village Pinot Noir for $21.90, making now the perfect time for re-evaluation. I previously reviewed the 2005 Village in October 2008, awarding it 93 points.
Red/brown in colour with a murky, hazy look which is perfectly natural for an unfiltered wine; this 4 year old pinot's heady bouquet presents a wild, funky expression of ripe strawberries, cherry and earthy soils with delightful notes of spearmint and spice. Its full and brambly, edgy flavours of plum and cherry are bound by a sharp extract of sour edged acidity and prickly pinot tannins. Typical of the label its mouthfeel is beautifully supple, as it unravels to a character filled finish of light leathery tones, earthy soils and intensifying spice, with a thread of herbal quality and fresh cedar making the final declaration.
ü Although Phillip Jones' Village Pinot Noir usually polarises the critics (like most of his wines really), I love this maker's style. The 2005 certainly isn't for everyone, but its genuine varietal quality, complexity and wild nature at this price point have won me over. A fraction less sour acidity would've really set things flying. Drink to 2011.
92 points
21.90! Where abouts can I get a bottle of this Chris?
ReplyDeleteA large liquor shop located between Marion Shopping Centre and Morphett Rd, next to Supa Cheap Auto. It was a bin end sale and there was only one bottle remaining when I picked this one up. So don't be surprised if it isn't there.
ReplyDeleteGood luck all the same.
Chris P