William Downie Gippsland Pinot Noir 2025

William Downie's 2025 release is not only remarkably individual in nature but an excellent articulation of Bill's approach to his craft and his pursuit for purity in expression of terroir.

Bill has always been compelled to produce wine in a way that aims to achieve a height of articulation of site and vintage. Doing so tends to remove hiding places for elements of the wine that are not as precise as intended, or for vintage variation to display more overtly. When the vintage conditions and vineyard health are exceptional, the thrill of the potential wine at hand is electric, and you could see it in Bill's eyes and the lightness of his step this time last year.

A blend of fruit from the Matthews vineyard in Berrys Creek and Guendulain Farm in Yarragon again this year. Matthews was planted to MV6 on red volcanic soil in 1998 and has always been dry grown. It is a cool, damp site and the vines grow dense, lush canopies. The vines at Guendulain were planted in Baw Baw Shire in 2008 at 10,000 vines per hectare, half MV6 and half Pommard clone.

The 2025 wine is quite deep in colour with a bright red edge. The nose shows aromas of cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant as well as cardamom, rose petals and violets. The palate tastes of more berry fruits, rusted iron and a subtle, briny, kelp-like edge. It is textured and round with noticeable tannin and very good length. A wine to drink now but will certainly keep for many years to come. Drink 2026 - 2040.