I was delighted to attend a new release tasting of the latest Bass Phillip and some burgundy comparisons provided by ‘Wisdom and Wine’. Three brackets were shown and a bunt summary follows. Points are out of 20.
2014 Besson Chablis 1er Cru ‘Mr de Milieu $42.50
Distinct lemon overtones, soft on the palate then drops away 14 points
2013 Gambal St Auban 1er Cru “Les Murguers Dents de Chien” $72.50
Light, well balanced but distinct oak evident, l overly finish 16 pts
Dark yellow colour, quite floral, but too much oak influence on the finish for me 13 pts
2014 Jessiaumu Auxey Duresses 1er Cru “Les Ecusseaux $59.50
Closed, pruney, very tight, soft, a long wait. 15 pts
2015 Bass Phillip Crown Prince pinot noir $62.00
Light, mushrooms nicely balanced, needs time to open 16 pts
2014 Bass Phillip Estate pinot noir $70.00
Lovely nose of perfume, violets, slightly tannic, needs heaps of time. 16 pts
2014 Gambal Beaune 1er Cru “Les Greves” $95.00
Cherry, raspberry, great intensity up front. Palate silky, still in its infancy 18 pts
2014 Bass Phillip Premium pinot noir $190.00
Deep colour, fruit explosion, smooth long finish 17 pts
2015 Bass Phillip Premium pinot noir $190.00
Richer than the 14, well balanced with smooth long finish 18 pts
SUMMARY
I know Bass Phillip produce nice pinots and has a cult following for those with deep pockets and a sense of waiting to get to them. But for me there is much better value for money on the market than the Bass Phillip stars at $190 per bottle. Check out Tasmanian and Central Otago for the value price point and quality. For instance Heemskerk 2016 pinot noir from Tasmania has just won the trophy as the best pinot noir at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show! It shows cherry, raspberry and earthy tones, exceptionally fine tannins and underlying minerality which bring it all together to produce a seductive juicy pinot. $50 – $55. Now that is value!
The wine at this tasting which best exemplifies value and quality was the 2014 Gambal Beaune Cru “Les Greves” at $95.00. A real burgundy bargain from a lesser known maker.
