2021 Patrick Sullivan Millstream Pinot Noir
VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
REGION: Gippsland, VIC
VITICULTURE: Biodynamic
WINEMAKER: Patrick Sullivan
The Millstream vineyard was planted by the Kelleher family in 1983 on what is part of their multi-generational dairy farm. The soil is volcanic loam over basalt, with the vines being dry grown. The site is very exposed and faces directly towards Mount Baw Baw, resulting in frequent, very cool winds. The extreme weather conditions combine with the intense bird pressure from nearby forest to put this vineyard right on the edge of what's possible. The resuilting fruit is always bright and complex with incredible tension.
Mostly destemmed with 15% whole cluster. Fermented in stainless over two weeks. Matured in a single 700L ceramic vessel and two barriques. Sarsaparilla, mulberries, tea leaf and fresh vanilla bean. Great tannin focus through the middle, flavours of red fruits and earth.
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.