Monday, September 14, 2009

BASS PHILLIP VILLAGE PINOT NOIR 2005

 - 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

2 comments:

  1. 21.90! Where abouts can I get a bottle of this Chris?

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  2. A 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.

    Good luck all the same.

    Chris P

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