2024 Bannockburn Pinot Noir

Intense but bunchy nose with a rich, supple palate that finishes long and expansive.

This release brings together Bannockburn’s entire spectrum of Pinot vineyards. The 2024 includes fruit from Olive Tree Hill, planted in 1976, 10 Rows (1991), Stuart Block (1997), Anns Block (2004) and the close-planted De La Terre block planted in 2007. All the sites lie in volcanic loam and dark clay over a limestone base and are planted to various clones, mainly MV6 with a smattering of the Dijon (or Bernard) clones. Fruit from each block fermented separately, with approximately 20% bunches included and a small portion undergoing carbonic maceration. The wine was pressed to hogsheads and puncheons (25% new) for 10 months’ maturation.
Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. The nose is intense but at the same time very bunchy with dried clove infused aromas of dark cherry and strawberry trailed by some smoked meat, forest floor and spicy dried herb notes. Rich supple dark cherry and strawberry fruits are seductively layered across the palate with complexing elements of dried clove, bramble, rhubarb, smoked meat, forest floor and spice lending further interest. Concentrated and powerful it has polished tannins. Lingering through the long expansive conclusion are dried clove and spicy smoked meat characters.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
All the herbs and spices, of course, but the shells of nuts, woodsmoke, a chicory element and whispers of both black coffee and black tea, all of which swirl around sound, sure-footed cherry-berry fruit flavours. This wine is as complex as it is assured, its sinewy tannin finessed into place, its flavours cascading out through the finish. This will age beautifully, and is best consumed with at least another few years under its belt. Drink 2027-2033+
94+ Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front