1999 Bass Phillip "Crown Prince" Pinot Noir

This is a fully mature benchmark cool-climate Pinot Noir from one of Australia's most revered cult producers: the Bass Phillip Crown Prince Pinot Noir 1999. Sourced from the deep volcanic soils of South Gippsland, Victoria, legendary founder Phillip Jones crafted this wine under uncompromising biodynamic principles and ultra-low yields, mirroring the greatest traditional domaines of Burgundy. Resting now at over a quarter-century of age, this rare 1999 library release has evolved into a magnificent tertiary plateau of seamless complexity. The nose opens with an ethereal, haunting bouquet of dried red cherries, dark plums, and candied cranberries, layered with forest floor sous-bois, dried rose petals, leather, damp earth, subtle Asian spices, and game. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, silky, and profoundly savory, featuring fully melted, fine-grained tannins integrated with a lively line of natural cool-climate acidity that carries into a long, fragrant, and mineral-laced finish.

Highlights

• Vintage: 1999

• Region/Appellation: Gippsland, Victoria, Australia

• Producer: Bass Phillip (Phillip Jones Era)

• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir

• Style: Fully Mature, Silky, Ethereal, and Earth-Driven Cult Australian Pinot Noir

• Perfect for (food pairing): Fine cuts of slow-roasted rack of lamb with a delicate herb crust, pan-seared duck breast with a spiced cherry reduction, roasted squab, pan-fried quail, or tender venison loin. Its complex tertiary notes of forest floor, leather, game, and savory spice also make it an extraordinary companion for slow-cooked game bird casseroles, truffled wild mushroom risottos, savory earth-driven pastas, or a well-curated plate of mature artisanal cheeses such as an aged Comté or Gruyère.