Bass Phillip announces new Burgundian chief winemaker

Aussie Pinot Noir specialist Bass Phillip has partnered with Burgundian winemaker Jean-Marie Fourrier and associates in an arrangement which will see Fourrier become Bass Phillip’s new chief winemaker.

In his new position, Fourrier will take a “primary role” in the management of Bass Phillip’s vineyards as well as the wine production process.

The arrangement has his origins in a meeting which took place 12 years ago, when Phillip Jones, founder of Bass Phillip wines, first met Jean-Marie Fourrier in south Gippsland.

As Fourrier has family in Melbourne, this new direction will enable his family, who are also specialise in producing Pinot Noir, to work together with the established crew at Bass Phillip to enhance the achievements of this developing brand.

The statement sent out by the Bass Phillip, the team said it was “an exciting time” for the winery, which as it expands internationally will now “benefit from the combined experiences and skill-sets of two truly exceptional world-class winemakers and specialists of the Pinot Noir grape.”

Jones, who founded Bass Phillip in 1991, will continue to be involved with the business as a senior consultant.

Jean-Marie Fourrier is the fifth generation owner of Domaine Fourrier, based in Gevrey Chambertin. He took over the family’s 10 hectare property from his father in the mid-1990s at the age of 23. As well as his work at the family winery, he also honed his skills while working at Domaine Drouhin in Oregon and with Henry Jayer in Vosne-Romanee. Following Jayer’s winemaking philosophy, he is fastidious about maintaining well-nurtured vines by following strict natural winemaking techniques.

Bass Phillip is well-known for its Pinots, which have often achieve top ratings, including the nomination of the 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir as the Australian Wine of the Year. Over the past 25 years, Bass Phillips has expanded and now has a total of 14 hectares of vines.