Phillipp Bass Reserve Pinot Noir

The "Crown Jewel" of Australian Pinot – A Rare, Monolithic Expression of Terroir

In March 2026, the Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir remains the most sought-after and expensive Pinot Noir in Australia. Produced in minuscule quantities (often as few as 1,000 bottles per vintage), it is sourced from just five rows of the original 1979 "Estate" vineyard in South Gippsland. These vines consist of the heritage MV6 clone, renowned for producing intense, concentrated fruit with incredible structural longevity.

The Reserve is the "ultimate" tier, sitting above the Premium and Estate bottlings. It is a wine defined by its "inner power"—it does not shout, but rather unfolds with a profound, multi-dimensional complexity that consistently challenges the finest Grand Crus of Burgundy.

🍷 The 2019 vs. 2020 Transition

The 2026 perspective on these two pivotal years highlights the subtle shift from the Phillip Jones era to the Jean-Marie Fourrier era.

• 2019 Vintage (The Grand Finale): This was the final vintage fully crafted by founder Phillip Jones. It is described as "spectacular and meticulous," with a deep, mossy, and fungal bouquet. The palate is a "satin robe" of red berries, smoked meats, and damp forest floor. Critics have awarded it up to 98–100 points, viewing it as a historic benchmark for the estate's original, low-intervention style.

• 2020 Vintage (The New Chapter): While the harvest was started by Jones, the aging and blending were guided by Fourrier. The 2020 is noted for its "clarity and precision." It is slightly leaner and more "transparent" than the 2019, emphasizing high-toned florals and silkier tannins. It feels "hedonistic yet weightless," signaling a move toward a more polished, contemporary Burgundian profile.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Pro Tip

The Reserve is a "living" wine that evolves dramatically with air. The estate formally recommends allowing it to breathe for at least three hours before drinking. In 2026, even the older 2019 and 2020 vintages still benefit from a long decant to soften the powerful "llicorella-like" mineral structure and let the secondary notes of mushroom and spice emerge. Serve in a large Burgundy glass at 15°C–16°C. Pair only with the finest, most delicate dishes: Truffled Pigeon, Milk-Fed Veal, or a simple Wild Mushroom Consommé.