
2021 Patrick Sullivan Gippsland Pinot Noir





VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
REGION: Gippsland, VIC
VITICULTURE: Biodynamic
WINEMAKER: Patrick Sullivan
The wine comes from two vineyards: Berry's Creek in South Gippsland and Maffra in Central Gippsland. Berry's Creek was planted by John Matthews at a relatively high density of 7000 vines per hectare. Situated at 200m elevation, the vineyard's soil is volcanic loam over clay. Maffra vineyard was planted by Graeme Little, in 1987, to MV6 Pinot Noir and farmed by Xavier Goodridge. The soil is of sandy loam and clay, situated at sea level with an exposed aspect.
Mostly destemmed with 15% kept as whole cluster. Fermented in stainless over two weeks. The Maffra component was matured in a 2000L foudre and the Gippsland component in barrique with 10% new chassin French oak. Brooding with cherry, cedar and raspberry rose. Elderflower and rosewater.
Farmer-winemaker Patrick Sullivan can do it all. From tending to vines in rural Victoria at just age 12 on a school excursion to picking up a degree in viticulture, Patrick has now settled in West Gippsland. Farming biodynamically alongside the iconic Bill Downie, his "Tumblestone Farm" property consists of 69 hectares of ultra close-spacing vineyards (7000 vines/ha - woof) nestled amongst an acacia forest. Sitting on basalt volcanic soils over sandstone at the base of the Strzelecki Ranges, Patrick's wines are electric, inspired and truly world class.