Winery & Vintage Info
Situated on the east coast of Tasmania at Bicheno, Apsley Gorge takes its name from a mountain pass. It shares with the other east coast wineries the capacity to produce premium quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Former Abalone diver and Lobster fisherman Brian Franklin planted Apsley Gorge with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the early 1990’s with the first vintage 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 maintains 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.
Situated on the east coast of Tasmania at Bicheno, Apsley Gorge takes its name from a mountain pass. It shares with the other east coast wineries the capacity to produce premium quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Former Abalone diver and Lobster fisherman Brian Franklin planted Apsley Gorge with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the early 1990’s with the first vintage 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 maintains 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.
2023 was a challenging year. The pinot fruit achieved good phenolic ripeness while hiding the berry characteristics under some very firm tannins. We pushed it through a very long cold soak to express more varietal fruit.The wine is initially closed, with some funky notes , and then opens up to show complex pinot character. This wine will fully reveal itself once decanted.
