Bass Phillip: Australian Pioneering Spirit, Burgundian Sensibility
At Bass Phillip, Jean-Marie Fourrier enters into the estate’s ongoing story, bringing a Burgundian approach that builds on what is already established. His involvement is clear in the way the wines are handled, where timing, extraction, and élevage are kept in balance, allowing the vineyard to speak without interference.
Bass Phillip is widely recognized as the benchmark producer of Pinot Noir in Australia, consistently cited as the country’s leading estate for the variety. Its reputation rests on site expression, vine age, and disciplined vineyard work, producing wines with depth, identity, and consistency.
Located in South Gippsland near Leongatha, the estate benefits from a cool maritime climate, steady rainfall, and extended growing seasons. These conditions allow for slow ripening, preserving natural acidity while building layered aromatics. Free-draining soils and sheltered vineyard sites contribute to wines that show concentration, clarity, and length, placing Gippsland among Australia’s most distinctive cool-climate regions.
A strong Burgundian influence has guided Bass Phillip from early on. Inspiration from growers such as Henri Jayer led to a focused commitment to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Vineyard work follows organic and biodynamic principles, prioritizing soil health and vine balance to express the character of Gippsland.
The estate now enters a new phase under Jean-Marie Fourrier of Domaine Fourrier in Gevrey-Chambertin. His involvement strengthens the Burgundian connection, refining the wines through gentle extraction, careful élevage, and a focus on balance. The identity of Bass Phillip remains intact, now carried with greater composure and definition.
The core of the range remains anchored in the original Leongatha vineyard, where Estate, Premium, and Reserve Pinot Noir are selected from the same plantings each year. These wines define Bass Phillip, with Reserve Pinot Noir widely regarded as one of the finest expressions of Pinot Noir in Australia.
THE WINES
Chardonnay
Bass Phillip Chardonnay emphasizes texture and complexity over overt fruit. A gently oxidative approach and measured oak influence result in wines that recall white Burgundy while remaining grounded in Gippsland.
Estate Chardonnay 2023
The Real Review, 97/100
White linen, lemon zest, peach, nectarine, and nougat lead into toast, butter, and nutty lees. Medium-bodied, with a supple texture supported by steady acidity. The palate shows breadth and control, maintaining energy through the midsection. The finish is long, carrying citrus and almond tones.
Premium Chardonnay 2023
The Real Review, 97/100
Lemon confit, hazelnut, orange blossom, and flint introduce notes of crème brûlée, peach, and pastry. Full-bodied, with a layered, creamy texture balanced by integrated acidity and a light phenolic grip. The wine shows depth without excess weight. The finish lingers with citrus, nut, and mineral detail.
Gamay
Gamay is handled with the same care as Pinot Noir, resulting in wines that offer aromatic lift and structure.
Gamay 2023
Violet, Bing cherry, blueberry, and sassafras emerge alongside spice and herbal notes. Light-bodied, with bright acidity and fine tannins. The palate is fresh and expressive, with a clean, energetic profile. The finish is extended, driven by pure fruit and lift.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir defines Bass Phillip. Across the range, the wines share depth, structure, and a clear expression of Gippsland terroir.
Estate Pinot Noir 2023
The Real Review, 97/100
Red cherry, cranberry, rosehip, and fresh herbs lead, followed by bramble and forest floor. Light-bodied, with fine acidity and gently woven tannins guiding the wine across the palate. The texture is supple, allowing openness while retaining detail. The finish is clean, with lingering red fruit and earthy nuance.
Estate Pinot Noir 2019
Jancis Robinson, 17/20
Dried cranberry, cherry preserve, mushroom, and floral notes develop with touches of spice and undergrowth. Medium-bodied, with a silky texture and refined tannins supported by bright acidity. The palate is layered and composed, showing both richness and lift. The finish is long, with mineral and earthy tones unfolding gradually.
Premium Pinot Noir 2023
Jancis Robinson, 17+/20
Red berries, floral notes, spice, and forest floor lead into deeper tones of cherry and earth. Medium-bodied, with a satin-like texture and balanced structure. The tannins are fine yet present, giving shape without heaviness. The finish is extended, carrying fruit and secondary detail.
Premium Pinot Noir 2017
Jancis Robinson, 17.5/20
Wild cherry, dried rose, cured meat, and woodsmoke sit alongside mineral and earthy nuances. Medium-bodied, with a seamless structure and finely integrated tannins. The palate shows depth and composure, with a steady progression of flavor. The finish is long, with persistent floral and spice notes.
Depuis ‘23 Pinot Noir 2023
The Real Review, 96/100
Red cherry, anise, rose, and light smoke are joined by herbal and stem-derived complexity. Full-bodied, with a firm tannic frame balanced by vibrant acidity. The texture remains fluid despite its density, carrying both fruit and structure. The finish is long, with spice and mineral notes sustaining the wine.
Reserve Pinot Noir 2023
The Real Review, 98/100
Dark cherry, rose petal, spice, cedar, and menthol unfold over forest floor notes. Full-bodied, with a silken yet structured texture supported by fine tannins and bright acidity. The wine shows concentration alongside clarity, maintaining balance throughout. The finish is expansive and persistent, with layered fruit and mineral notes continuing to evolve.
Bass Phillip remains a reference point for Australian Pinot Noir and Gippsland wine. With Jean-Marie Fourrier guiding the winemaking and a continued focus on vineyard expression, the estate continues to set the standard for the variety.
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