Apsley Gorge Pinot Noir 2024

On pouring the first thing you notice is the colour. A deep ruby red , full of promise. This wine is not fined or filtered , yet it is bright and crystal clear.

The nose, mysterious and deep with underlying ripe pinot fruit. No bracken or green character here.

The palate has a textured entry, mouth filling and rich. The long , persistant finish has just enough acid to really make this wine sing. Sit back and enjoy the performance.

This wine has depth in its colour, on the nose and the palate. A standout Apsley Gorge. A return to the good old days, plus some.

From a slightly cooler wetter year than usual. The 2022 colour is typically dark with a translucent depth.The nose has the rich Apsley Pinot fruit, but something else is pushing through; charcuterie, earthiness, and so much more. After smelling the wine you know the palate is going to be good. Very good! A powerful entry, filling the mouth with rich fruit, complex textural tannins and the indescribable mystery of pinot.

Former Abalone diver and Lobster fisherman Brian Franklin planted Apsley Gorge with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the early 1990’s. Situated in the Apsley Valley about 14 kilometres from the township of Bicheno, Tasmania, the vineyard enjoys an excellent climate for both these grape varieties. The first vintage was produced in 1993.

The vineyard, about 7 hectares, is farmed as low yield and non-irrigated to ensure the stability of the fruit, hand pruned and hand picked maintaining the quality of the grapes from vineyard to winery.

Brian took over the winemaking in the late 1990’s and quickly became noticed as an exceptional winemaker. His winemaking skills in the traditional French style were honed originally with Phillipe Charlopin, one of Burgundy’s most notable winemakers. Brian has worked every vintage in Burgundy since 2000, lately working with Phillipe’s son Yann at Domain Charlopin-Tissier.

Apsley Gorge wine is distributed to every state in Australia and exported to several counties. The winery sits on the seaside at “The Gulch” in Bicheno, one of the most spectacular positions of any winery in Australia. Originally a fish processing factory, the classic character of the winery suits the history of Tasmania’s east coast. Fishing and agriculture are still major industries in the district with wine production and wine tourism becoming extremely popular.