Jones explains that he first started thinking about selling up as far back as 2010 as there were no direct family members to take the business on. “I still love doing it,” he explains. “But I am getting too bloody tired.”

As much as Jones has attracted unanimously high praise for his wines from all quarters, the fact that a producer of Fourrier’s pedigree is investing in the future of the project is another form of recognition. In the 40-odd years Jones has been at the helm of Bass Phillip, his unrelenting research-driven approach to making great pinot noir has seen his wines reach spectacular heights.

These 2018s are, as always, a set of Bass Phillip pinots that express the intersection of vineyard, vintage and Philip Jones’ inquisitive elucidation of the harvest. It will be fascinating to see Jean-Marie Fourrier’s foray into crafting great Australian pinot noir as he assumes the winemaking responsibilities and to see just how he goes about crafting the next generation of Bass Phillip wines.

Country Australia

Region Victoria

Vintage 2018

Score

96

An ethereal nose here. This is a very complex and fragrant expression with a layered and detailed style that has abundant flowers, sappy forest wood, bacon fat, wild red cherries, pomegranate and already well-integrated oak. The palate has a very plush, long and lacy feel with very intense red-cherry flavor, bright acidity crunch and a sleek, long run to the finish. Energetic, yet measured, this is terrific pinot. Drink or hold.

Country Australia

Region Victoria

Vintage 2018

Score

95

This has a very pure pink-grapefruit, pomegranate and red-cherry nose with a deeply spicy oak thread that sits well inside the fruit. Plenty of earth and some red flowers here, too. The palate has a very plush, energetic core of red-cherry, pinot noir fruit. A real statement of concentrated fruit. The tannins extrude smoothly and frame a long, juicy and fresh finish. Stunning pinot noir. Drink or hold.

Country Australia

Region Victoria

Vintage 2018

Score

94

Very complex, rich and suave notes of grilled peaches, grapefruit and lemons arrive with a savory overlay of spiced biscuit and grilled hazelnut. The palate has a neat, fine and flinty feel with a smooth delivery of crisp, lemon and peach flavors. Drink or hold.

Country Australia

Region Victoria

Vintage 2018

Score

94

This has a strikingly complex, intense nose with a rich array of cherries and berries, grapefruit and pomegranate, plenty of fruit spice, light pepper and a gently creamy, baking-spice oak thread. The palate has a very rich, intense delivery of beautifully ripe red cherries, framed in fine yet sturdy tannins. Long, fresh and energetic finish. Drink or hold.

Country Australia

Region Victoria

Vintage 2018

Score

93

This has a fresh, lively, poached-pear, lemon, hazelnut and praline nose with some gently flinty nuances. The palate has a smooth, yellow-peach edge and a pithy lemon and grapefruit core with attractively sinewy concentration at the finish. Drink over the next five years.

Country Australia

Region Victoria

Vintage 2018

Score

92

A sultry style of pinot that has plenty of suave red-cherry and fresh-violet aromas. The palate has a very fleshy feel with supple flavors of red and dark cherries. A nice kick of juicy acidity livens up the finish. Drink over the next five years.

Country Australia

Region Victoria

Vintage 2018

Score

91

A complex array of lightly poached peaches and pears, some clotted cream and biscuit spices and hazelnut praline, too. The palate has a smooth, mellow texture. Layered and creamy with plenty of ripe yellow-peach flavor. Drink now. Screw cap.

Country Australia

Region Victoria

Vintage 2018

Score

91

This opens with some youthful, reductive meatiness which breathes off to reveal a swathe of blueberry, blackcurrant and violet aromas. The palate has a fresh, juicy feel with bright, lively blueberry flavors, vivid acidity and a crisp snap of tannin. Drink over the next five years.