2025 Bicknell FC Lance Close Planted Pinot Noir

Light and elegant with juicy red fruits and a long, finely detailed finish.

Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black shaded edges and a vibrant light red hue. Perfumed aromatics of violet, red cherry, subtle red liquorice and winter strawberry captivate the olfactory senses. Hints of rhubarb, dried herbs, bramble and spice ensue. Elegant and light on its feet, juicy red cherry, rhubarb and red liquorice fruits decorate the palate. Fresh winter strawberry, forest floor, dried herb, bramble and spice elements linger around the back half. Vibrant and supple it has polished tannins and an understated power to the long, eloquent, finely detailed finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.3%

Other Reviews……
100% destemmed and matured in a mixture of seasoned barriques, hogsheads and puncheons. Exceptionally fragrant, with aromas of wild strawberry, perfectly ripe red cherry, floral notes and alpine herbs such as wild thyme and gentian. Concentrated and finely detailed, the tannins are almost hidden by the wine's plush, beautifully fruited and energetic palate. Finishes long and satisfying. As good as this is now, those that still have a bottle or two in their cellar 10 or so years from now will be well rewarded. Drink by 2037.
98+ points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

I haven’t asked Dave Bicknell what the FC stands for in his brand name, but in my mind it goes to Football Club or the dreaded, cover-the-ears-of-kids, ‘FC combo’ of swear words. Happy to be informed differently but I am not sure I am going to veer away from these two ideas in my mind, ever. From vines planted in 1989 and at just under 9000 vines per hectare.
It’s silky and perfume, glossy and cool. Tart, red cherry with a stitches of white pepper, crushed lemon myrtle leaf, caraway seed and salted plum. Perfume and palate in accord on this. There’s an added layer of barely there cocoa powder to taste, too, and an almost similar idea in terms of texture, a little bit of silk brushed the wrong way giving some faint grip; succulence and pleasing, gentle herbal amaro bitterness to close. A very fine wine in detail of fruit, spice and winemaking overlay, with delicacy and understatement on its side. Drink 2026-2032.
95 points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front