The Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023, hailing from Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, is a stellar expression of cool-climate Pinot Noir from a vineyard established in 1988 and owned since 2011 by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW. Crafted from mature vines on silica-sandstone soils, this wine reflects the coolest vintage on record, with low yields due to a wet spring, resulting in concentrated, vibrant fruit. Hand-picked grapes, fermented with 25% whole bunches in open fermenters and aged 10 months in French oak (one-third new), deliver a deep red-purple hue and intense aromas.
The wine won the following awards in International Wine Challenge (IWC).
Best Australian Pinot Noir
Best Australian Red Trophy
Huon Hooke (The Real Review, 97 points) praises its “superb rich ripe black cherry fragrance” with “succulent, plush texture”, calling it an “outstanding Pinot Noir” with aging potential to 2035. Andrew Caillard MW (The Vintage Journal, 97 points) lauds its “sweet supple dark cherry, strawberry fruits” and “lacy textures”, noting its “exceptionally enjoyable and characterful” nature. David Matters calls it the “best new release Tolpuddle Pinot” for its perfect balance.
With dark cherry, blackberry, and savory spice on a structured, tannic frame, it pairs beautifully with pink lamb or charcuterie. Drink now with aeration or cellar through 2035. A benchmark for Australian Pinot Noir.
