Bass Phillip

Bass Phillip is renowned for producing some of the best pinot noir in the world.

The Bass Phillip vineyard was established in South Gippsland in 1979 after years of research and experimentation. Named after early explorers of the region, George Bass and Arthur Phillip, Bass Phillip is located not far from the sea, but far enough inland to experience a continental climate. Being the first vineyard in the region, considerable adaptation and innovation was required in viticulture and wine production techniques to produce wines of premium quality in a district which is quite cool and damp by Victorian standards. Since their release in 1991, the wines of Bass Phillip have become known for their distinctive flavor and character, now classed amongst the best pinot noirs in the world.

BASS PHILLIP PHILOSOPHY The simple motivation for Bass Phillip's approach is to allow the vineyard character to express itself fully through the medium of the grape variety, pinot noir. This is achieved through low cropping levels, minimal intervention, and by allowing the natural weather conditions to drive the performance of the vineyard each year. We therefore refrain from irrigation, fertilization and technological control. Following these guidelines, we obtain wines with lasting flavour, with individual personality and with a clear stamp of vineyard character.

THE BASS PHILLIP APPROACH Best described as "Philosophical Winemaking" Bass Phillip uses a holistic approach: the vineyard makes the wines. The wines are a clear expression of the vineyard site, reflecting the character and referred perfumes of the earth. The wines always display the individual character of each vintage. The key priorities at Bass Phillip include:

• Low cropping vines
• No irrigation
• No residual pesticides
• Low levels of mechanization