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Bill Downie established his own label in 2003 after several years living and working in Burgundy. Such is his passion for Pinot Noir that it is the only wine he makes, one from Mornington, one from Yarra and one from Gippsland. Bill is fanatical about the quality of his fruit and where it comes from, so where possible, sources fruit from vineyards which use biodymanic and organic viticultural practices. By taking the best elements from the Burgundian producers he most admires and allying these to a more technocratic Australian approach, Bill has been able to develop his own style, making him one of the most sought after producers of Pinot Noir.
The fruit is carefully selected from vineyards situated in Lucinda Estate in Leongatha. Soils here are red volcanic clay loam. Organic principles are implemented wherever possible. The vineyards are 120 metres above sea level and were planted in 1990 with a density of 6,500 vines per hectare. MV6 and 777 are the clones planted. The 2008 is the first vintage made of this wine. The grapes were de-stemmed and naturally cold soaked before the fermentation began naturally in open top wooden fermenters. The wine was not plunged until dryness to avoid the extraction of bitter tannins. It was then aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
The 2008 is a dense wine with wonderful concentration. The nose shows plum and preserved cherry. There are also hints of fennel, thyme and licorice. The palate has more plum, prune and even a touch of dates. A powerful wine with great length and texture. 14% Abv. Closed with cork. Sealed with wax. Drink 2012 – 2019.
This is most reminiscent of the wines of Gevrey-Chambertin or Nuits-St-George in Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits.