LAST 6 REMAINING
William Downie Bull Swamp Pinot Noir (2022)
750mL / Yarra Valley, VIC
2022 William Downie Bull Swamp Pinot Noir Gippsland – William Downie established his own label in 2003 after several years living and working in Burgundy. His intention is to produce wines of purity and detail that reflect their place of origin. They are made in the most natural way possible, not pushed or shoved in any direction.
2022 was, for the most part, a very good growing season. With the exception of the higher elevation vineyards, Manilla and Millstream, they didn’t have the excessive rain and poor flowering they have experienced in the previous few vintages. January and February were mild with just enough rain to keep the vines green and lush. As a result they managed to harvest fruit with the highest level of maturity they have seen since 2018. The wines are a little richer and more textured than some of the recent releases. They are quite approachable now but will still benefit from a few more years in the cellar. The are no wines from Manilla and Millstream this year due to the above mentioned poor flowering. They anticipate their return in vintage 2022 but given that uncertainty appears to be the new norm they can only cross our fingers and hope.
This dry grown vineyard was planted in 1981 on old, red volcanic soils at 150m elevation. There are four separate parcels of Pinot Noir, two north facing blocks of MV6 and another of Abel, as well as a more sheltered south facing block of MV6. The nose is earthy and dense with blackcurrant, blueberry and cherry fruit aromas. The palate shows more berry fruits as well as struck match, rusted iron, wood spice and pomegranate molasses. Start enjoying immediately or hide a few bottles in the cellar for the next 15+ years.