Stelvin. The evolution of Bannockburn’s Estate Pinot continues unabated under Matt Holmes’ direction. As we have seen, Holmes has introduced an earlier-bottling regime and is also being more reticent in his use of whole bunches than his predecessors. It is now the strong personality of the sites—which are now farmed organically—that drive the character of this wine.
Medium red colour with tints of purple and black, the bouquet char-oaky, smoky, stemmy and bunchy, and more appealing than that may sound. The palate is rich and full, with loads of detail and nuance, heaps of interest, the palate full and rich, round and very fruit-sweet at the core, with Campari, balsamic herbs—the full whole-bunch deal. Long finish, too. A satisfying pinot. Good value, too.10 JUN 2021 Drink 2021–2029
96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com
#1 2019 Geeelong Pinot Noir
Primarily clone MV6 planted in 1976; 20% whole bunch, matured in Troncais hogheads ( 25% new ) for 10 months. Bright colour; the bouquet fragrant to the point of perfumed : violets, rose petals, earth and forest floor, dark cherry/berry fruit at the core; long, lingering, savoury finish.