Apsley George

The single-minded Brian Franklin at Apsley Gorge has rendered himself half-Burgundian with annual work immersion in Gevrey, and his courageously restrained winemaking combined with a warm, dry East Coast site results in Pinot of unusual breadth but great subtlety and allusiveness too... Franklin’s faithfully Burgundian techniques deliver a magnificent synopsis of the potential of his warm site: broad, statuesque Pinot with grand depth and texture, and fine drinking qualities...[and] a deliciously baroque Chardonnay.  ANDREW JEFFORD

While nominally situated at Bicheno on the east coast, Apsley Gorge is in fact some distance inland, taking its name from a mountain pass. Clearly, it shares with the other east coast wineries the capacity to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of excellent quality. Brian Franklin travels to Burgundy each year for the vintage, putting into practice at Apsley Gorge what he learns in Burgundy. JAMES HALLIDAY