Reserve Pinot Noir

The Reserve is made from 5 rows of vines in the centre of the closely spaced (9000 vines per hectare) north east facing vineyard planted on silky loam. The unfiltered Reserve is matured for 20 months in new Alliers oak. Regarding colour this is mid crimson with tawny notes. A stunning nose - a red fruited perfume (cherry) with loamy Sous Bois notes (compost heap). Those aromatics translate to the medium bodied palate finishing with fine silky tannins. Very Bass Phillip. Obviously in the conversation regarding the best Pinot Noir in Australia. I would give the mantle to the BP Reserve. It should be for the price. One should not approach a BP Reserve under 10 years of age. This is of top 1er Cru and Grand Cru standard.

Light Ruby in colour. A gorgeous nose of dusty red and black cherry with Five spice, decayed plant matter, sous Bois. I could sniff this for hours. Tastes way more youthful than 12 years with a solid core of red and black fruits which is gradually releasing - finishing with silky tannins. A few hours later that earthy red fruited perfume just keeps on giving. Only 2 barrels made, so, about 40 dozen.

Initially ungiving on the nose - latent but the power is there. With air a rose petal note developed. On the light to medium weight palate there was Dark cherry, spice and some stalkiness. An excellent new world Pinot, considered Australia’s best - it should be for the price, but I have had better Bass Phillip Reserves. The following night, stewed fruits- a rhubarb and savoury cherry note. I have one left which I will probably drink in a year or two.

Great depth of red fruits, Rose petals and Sous Bois on nose. A burnt toffee/varnishy note from the oak. The nose promises more than the palate initially but with air the palate had caught up and grown in volume which was medium bodied showing black cherry and Asian Spices with M+ Intensity and Length. I kept going back to this brilliant Burgundian nose. Opening this wine was unplanned because of a small wine fridge failure but it is always a highlight of the wine year opening a Bass Phillip Reserve - Australia’s Best Pinot Noir I believe.

Aromas of mushroom and forest floor. Great intensity on the palate. One of the most impressive statements I’ve ever read about this winery and it’s wines was from Rob Geddes MW who said “Putting it simply, Bass Phillip has made some of the best Pinot Noir I’ve drunk in my whole life, from anywhere of any age”. I would think that Rob, being a Master of Wine would have drunk quite a number of Grand Crus in his time so this is quite the accolade. Even at 12 years of age still a future - say 3 to 5 years. Phillip Jones says up to 15 years. Palate staining root vegetable juice!!

Pale Crimson with a tawny rim. Nose of Mushroom, rose petal, compost and red berry notes. On the palate M+ intensity- some earthy varnishy berry flavours. Persistent savoury tannins. A lovely Pinot in anyone's language. BP say drink to 15 years. I have one left. See how long I last! Generally agreed to be Australia's best Pinot Noir.

Refer to back label in previous tasting note. This is the 1996 Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir. First time for everything! In 40+ years of tasting I have never had a 20 year old Australian Pinot Noir! Cloudy pale appearance which happened from time to time with BPs wines in the 90's in no way effecting the brilliant palate which is rich and full. The nose has sweet berry, cherry liqueur notes with a touch of cinnamon. Refreshing even at 20 years. Soft, smooth tannins with a trace of acid (Phillip Jones always uses natural acidity from the grapes - never added). Would love to hear from @Delectable members who may have had any other New World Pinots at 20 years of age. This was holding up with ease.

This is the 1998 Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir and what a stunning old Pinot it is. Cloudy appearance as was sometimes the case with early Pinots from Phillip Jones. Gorgeous intoxicating perfume of plummy spice, some beetroot and herbal nuances. On palate sweet and intense. Bottom line Delicious. Privileged to drink a 16 year old Pinot from the best maker of this variety in Australia. 18.5.

Hmmmm...need to taste more

Might not have been kept in the best conditions. Still a brilliant wine and one I'm keen on trying again.