Estate release reviews by Philip Rich/Halliday Wine Companion

We’re delighted to share that Philip Rich has recently published his notes and scores on our latest Estate Release.

Philip’s tasting notes are always a pleasure to read—insightful, eloquent, and grounded in decades of wine experience. His descriptions capture the character of these wines with accuracy that resonates closely with our own perceptions.

It’s a privilege to present his reviews here, and we’re grateful for the care he brings to his words. All wines from this release remain available through our online shop.

Notes and scores by Philip Rich, originally published on the Halliday Wine Companion (winecompanion.com.au).

Bannockburn Chardonnay 2024
95 points.
Fermented and matured in French hogsheads and puncheons (25% new); 100% mlf. Bright gold with green tinges. An intriguing and complex array of aromas, from ripe stone fruits to orange blossom, crushed rocks, sea spray and a gentle waft of vanillin. On the palate it's simultaneously richly fruited, creamily textured and structured. Finishes saline and long. A wine to enjoy now and over the short to medium term.

Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2024
95 points.
From vines planted between '76 and '07, 20% whole bunches and 25% new oak. A light, bright cherry red. Red fruited, with wild hedgerow, roses and a melange of spices. This is really lifted and perfumed on the bouquet. Light to medium bodied, this builds nicely across the palate with superfine and persistent tannins and bright acidity, giving the wine both structure and length. I can see this filling out very nicely over the next few years.

Bannockburn Gamay 2024
95 points.
From a 0.57ha block planted in '14 and grafted to gamay in '19. 100% whole-bunch carbonic maceration. A bright, medium cherry red. Smells of cherries, too, along with aromatic, whole-bunch–derived spice rack spices. Medium bodied, this flavoursome, juicy fruited and silky-smooth wine is ready drink and would be the perfect accompaniment to barbecued lamb cutlets, or whatever takes your fancy really!

Bannockburn Shiraz 2023
95 points.
Made with approximately 10% whole bunch, including a portion of carbonic maceration, and matured in French hogsheads and puncheons (10% new). A medium, bright crimson ruby. More savoury, in a good way, than the '22. Aromas of dark cherry, hung meat, a little freshly churned earth and potpourri precede the palate, which is elegantly wrought, balanced and very persistent. A delicious and very well put together wine to drink now and over the next five to seven years, if not longer.