AUSTRALIA WIDE FREE SHIPPING

Planted by Lucas Grigsby and Michael Glover in 2007, Bannockburn’s high-density De La Roche vineyard lies on higher ground above the De La Terre Pinot block: a westerly extension of Serré. The vines (in 2012 at least) came from Shiraz cuttings taken from Best’s and Tahbilk and were planted on a mix of rootstock and own roots. The original plot covered just 0.8 hectares and the name alludes to the plethora of volcanic rocks that litter the soil of this parcel.

Long live Bannockburn’s Museum Release program! Initially released in late 2014, this wine was just the second iteration from this site and was entirely well-received. A 96 from Halliday followed, at a time when such high nineties scores made headlines; “Kaleidoscopic”, said Campbell Mattinson. Inspired by his prior vintage in Burgundy at Chateau de la Tour, Glover picked riper and pressed earlier in his search to bring a bit more generosity, flesh and accessibility to his 100% whole bunch style. It worked.

Raised in 500-litre seasoned puncheons for 24 months, how does the wine taste after ten years in the Bannockburn Cellar? Complex and unique with signature savouriness and Bannockburn flair. It’s in a brilliant spot, dense with umami characters, almost youthful acidity, beautifully integrated tannins and an attractive iron filing, blood-like mark lending complexity and intrigue to the fleshy and supple palate.

“A super-elegant, highly fragrant spice, pepper, black cherry and blackberry compote that is deceptively light on its feet; fine, but distinctly savoury tannins provide complexity and structure.” 96 points, James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion (Reviewed 2015)

“Second release from this vineyard. Planted at 10,000 vines per hectare. Dry grown cuttings taken from Best’s and Tahbilk. In 2012 and 2013, this wine was made with 100% whole bunches. 167 dozen produced. The full Bannockburn drill. Savoury, herbal, peppery and earthen. Solid fruit underpinning, but it’s only the third or fourth thing you notice. Smoky. Almost truffly. Threaded with fine, graphite-shot tannin. Kaleidoscopic”. 93+ points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front (Reviewed 2015)