2023 Bannockburn Serre Pinot Noir, Geelong

The nose is aromatic and layered, with enticing aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries, complemented by earthy notes of forest floor, dried leaves, and a hint of spice. Subtle floral hints, such as rose petals and violets, add further complexity and elegance.

On the palate, Bannockburn Serre Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with a silky texture. The red fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry are beautifully balanced by savory undertones of dried herbs, mushroom, and a touch of oak. Fine-grained tannins provide structure, while the wine’s vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and lively. There is also a mineral edge that enhances the wine’s depth and character.

The iconic Serré vineyard is a 1.2-hectares of vines planted in 1984 and 1986, exclusively to the MV6 clone. The site has volcanic top-soils, with darker clay over weathered basalt and limestone clay. It’s an organically managed and low-cropping site that produces Bannockburn’s most individual Pinot. Serré is close-planted to 9000 vines per hectare and trellised low with narrow rows, replicating the tough vineyard conditions and low-yield-per-vine approach of Grand Cru Burgundy. 

Wild yeast fermentation with 20% whole bunches preceded pressing to tank and settling overnight. Aging was for 10 months in French oak hogsheads (20% new). Spring malolactic fermentation was followed by racking back to tank prior to bottling in January. This significantly earlier bottling (as compared to that in previous eras) has brought Matt Holmes’ Serré a certain juicy primacy to offset the vineyard’s natural power, density and structure. This is a really bright and juicy expression of Serré, still with the power you might expect, but with more energy, vibrancy and jubeyness. There’s lots of vibrant red and blue fruits, some floral notes and a translucent, pure and classy palate. A superb example.  

The Geelong region, with its cool climate and diverse soils, is ideally suited for growing Pinot Noir. The region’s maritime influence and varied topography contribute to the wine’s complexity, with a balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality that is characteristic of Geelong’s best wines. Bannockburn’s Serre vineyard, in particular, is known for producing some of the most refined and expressive Pinot Noir in the region.