William Downie Gippsland Pinot Noir 2025

From a young winemaker that has quickly risen through the ranks and become one of Australia's best Pinot Noir producers. This site was planted in 1998 at 250m elevation and is considered the highest point between the Strzelecki and Great Dividing Ranges. The vineyard faces north with almost 360 degree views of Baw Baw Shire. Most of the vines are MV6 with a couple of rows of 115. The red volcanic soils have a little more rock than the Bull Swamp site and the wine is finer and more delicate as a result. The lifted and bright nose shows rose petal, liquorice, pomegranate and poached pear. The palate is transparent, detailed, fine and mineral.

Critics thoughts - There will only be Camp Hill and this, Gippsland, as pinot noir releases from 2025. From two sites in Gippsland, Matthews Vineyard in Berrys Creek and Guendulain Farm in Yarragon.

Sweeping, squeaky texture, darker fruit spectrum, seamless integration of white mushroom, undergrowth and brambly herbal inflection. Bold perfume, quite a bit of flavour too, fine, grainy tannin landing well. Licks of saline minerality, some salted liquorice characters lending x-factor and a dose of sour cherry through the finish. Quite strict in a way, needing some tuime to unfurl. Serious pinot.  94 points The Wine Front