2025 Bicknell FC Applecross Pinot Noir

Light, elegant and supple with a long, savoury conclusion that’s highly finessed.

Semi translucent vibrant red to dark red colour with a light red hue. Enticing red cherry, strawberry and violet scents drift through the olfactory senses followed by some forest floor, dried herb, delicate bramble and spicy cedar notes. Light and elegant yet powerful and supple, the palate is detailed with red cherry, winter strawberry and subtle rhubarb fruits. Notions of spicy cedar, forest floor and fresh herbs lend further nuance. Possessing ample freshness it has fine grained tannins and a long, savoury conclusion that’s highly finessed.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12.8%

Other Reviews…..
A light, bright crimson. A pure-fruited nose with its perfumed aromas of raspberry, redcurrant and some subtle, whole-bunch-derived spice and dried flowers. Fills out ever so nicely on the energetic palate, which has a little more stuffing than the '24 without sacrificing that lightness of touch that pervades David Bicknell's pinots. Superfine, very persistent tannins round out a beautifully put-together wine that can be enjoyed now and that will continue to evolve over the next five to seven years at least. Drink by 2032.
96+ Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

This is produced off three blocks, some older than others (70s, 00s). I imagine this new phase of winemaker Dave Bicknell’s life isn’t without great consternation and disquiet, but I reckon we’re going to see a quietening and focus that will take his wines to the next level. Not pissing in the fellas pocket, I’m not interested in fawning, I just think, and often sprout out loud at people, “you’re never more creative than when you’re at your hungriest”, and I reckon Dave Bicknell is going to come out of a reflective period with some determination and find those 1%ers and a little extra creative freedom. That bodes pretty well for enthusiasts of his wines.
This is pretty stuff. It sits up high in the palate with a glossiness and a nipping bite. It’s fragrant in wild forest berries, pickled cherry, white pepper, Autumn leaves and cardamom. The flavour profile is decidedly perky, set to redder fruits, quite deep in its concentration and yet, as said, uplifted on rivulets of blood orange perkiness and a Campari-like finish to dry. A shimmy of very fine, lacy tannin in a web lends some control. Shiny as. Drink 2026-2031.
94 Points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front

The 2025 Applecross Pinot Noir is pretty fine, with a lacy, web-like shape and all the other words used to describe this singular notion. It has red fruits, delicately balanced spice notes and tannins that veritably wrap around the fruit. The lovely extension through the finish reveals a supple framework of flavor and texture. This is a gorgeous wine. 12.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2026-2036.
94 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate