2024 William Downie Gippsland Pinot Noir

Light yet rich and supple with an expansive flavour profile and long savoury finish.

William Downie is a pioneer of minimal-intervention, site-driven Pinot Noir in Australia. Based at Guendulain Farm in Yarragon, where he and wife Rachel Needoba planted a high-density 2-hectare vineyard in 2007, he also leases top sites like Bull Swamp and Camp Hill. Downie is known for his meticulous vineyard work and dedication to expressing place through Pinot Noir.
The Gippsland Pinot Noir is blend of fruit from the Matthews Vineyard in Berrys Creek and Guendulain Farm in Yarragon. Matthews, planted in 1998 to MV6 on red volcanic soils, is a cool, damp, dry-grown site producing dense canopies. Guendulain, established in 2008 with high-density plantings (10,000 vines/ha) of MV6 and Pommard clones, contributes structure and depth.

Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. Perfumed aromas of violet, red cherry, strawberry and clove entrance the olfactory senses with some earth, wild herb and spicy cedar notes also evident. Light in body but simultaneously rich and supple, the palate features expansive red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits over a subtle rhubarb, forest floor, spicy cedar and dried herb back drop. Outstanding power wave with polished tannins and a beautifully balanced freshness. The long, graceful conclusion, highly savoury.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
Gee, I do love Gippsland pinot noir. This is beautifully modulated with a deeper, richer fruit profile, although it's far from fruity. In youth it simply shows more primary elements. A whorl of dark cherries, pips and black plums with pomegranate molasses, sweet spices and lots of autumnal fragrance – the earth and damp leaves. Lovely tannins, fresh acidity and, while it will last some distance, lovely now. Drink by 2036.
95 Points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion