This is a high quality pinot noir from William Downie and the (very large) Gippsland wine region in Victoria. Gippsland is a wine region that seems to me mainly defined by the efforts of one top producer, Bass Phillip, now owned by Burgundy producer Fourrier (and others). William Downie’s wines are perhaps the second most known, particularly for low intervention styles. This wine, from the 2013 vintage, opens to unmistakable and attractive pinot noir aromas of red fruits, florals and autumn leaves. There is a bacon like character that sits underneath. The palate is flavoursome, viscous and full bodied. The alcohol is 14.0. This is a very expressive pinot noir that is ready to drink now. Review Rating: Very Good (★★★★, 90 points). Website: William Downie Wine. Tasted: June 2024.
