Bannockburn New Releases 23

 

BEST KNOWN FOR: Chardonnay and pinot noir. This original Moorabool Valley vineyard has regained its leading status under winemaker Matt Holmes. A pioneer of close-planted vines, still owned by the founding Hooper family. HUON HOOKE, smh.com.au

I really like where the Bannockburn wines are at right now. CAMPBELL MATTINSON, winefront.com

The late Stuart Hooper had a deep love for the wines of Burgundy and was able to drink the best. When he established Bannockburn, it was inevitable that pinot noir and chardonnay would form the major part of the plantings…Bannockburn is still owned by members of the Hooper family, who continue to respect Stuart’s strong belief in making wines that reflect the flavours of the (certified organic) vineyard. JAMES HALLIDAY

True to the Bannockburn style which offers power and finesse… JENI PORT, winecompanion.com

++Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries 2023++
++ The Real Review Top 100 Wineries 2024++

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The new Bannockburn releases are belters. They evoke a sense of nostalgia to the old school style of Bannockburn, walked into the modern times by their clever winemaker Matt Holmes. There’s power and opulence injected with vibrancy and detail. They command attention as some of our best modern interpretations of chardonnay and pinot noir.

It’s clear Holmes is in sync with the vines and volcanic soils of this prestigious property. The wines capture the fruit richness and intensity we love Bannockburn for, the chardonnay is perfumed and deliciously ripe, carrying a thread of rich, saline minerality. The pinot is heady and silken, taking you on a wild and spicy ride.

Founder, Stuart Hooper was a purist and Burgundy lover, his uncompromising approach to establishing the vineyards is clear in the luminous quality of these wines. It’s no surprise the soils echo those in Burgundy, a mix of volcanic soils over clay and limestone. To add to this, organic farming has been adopted in more recent years, taking fruit clarity to even greater heights.

2023 was a protracted vintage, cool conditions allowed the grapes to slowly build flavour. The main downside is the miserly yields.  To be honest I was expecting the wines to have a fragile expression due to the vintage, but not so. Their old vines were tantamount to their success.

Today we’re offering the estate chardonnay and pinot noir. Old vines play a pivotal role, both come from vines dating back to 1976. Both wines see less than 25% new oak, a mix of sizes for the chardonnay. It's mouth-watering with vigour and a welcome minerally cut. As for the pinot,  one of the standout features is the whole bunch of earthy spice (just 20% used) and the gliding tannins. Both will age well, though they’re delectable in their youth.

Cheers

Gabrielle Poy