Tolpuddle Chardonnay 2023

A$125.00

Availability
In stock
Volume
750ml
Varieties
Region/Country
Tasmania, Australia
Rating
98 points

Vintages

2023

Description

Established in 1988, Tolpuddle Vineyard derives its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs – English convicts banished to Tasmania for their pioneering agricultural union. George Loveless, their leader, once toiled on land near Richmond, a parcel of which now encompasses Tolpuddle Vineyard, where mature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines bask in a north-eastern embrace, gently ascending from Back Tea Tree Road. With its light silica soil overlaying sandstone, this vineyard boasts a judiciously restrained vigor, fostering a harmonious vine balance that yields grapes of exceptional flavor and intensity.

In 2006, the inaugural Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year accolade graced Tolpuddle Vineyard, affirming its unique and distinguished character.

With unwavering dedication, Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW assumed ownership in 2011, aspiring to elevate Tolpuddle Vineyard into the pantheon of Australia's finest single vineyards.

Our coolest season on record. Slightly unsettled flowering thanks to a wetter than average spring, resulting in mild 'Hen and Chicken', giving a combination of small and normal sized berries, and much lighter bunches than normal.

Low yields benefitted from drier conditions for the remainder of the ripening period, ensuring fruit was harvested in pristine condition.

All fruit was hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, and fermented in French oak. The wine spent ten months in barrel with gentle stirring as required, then rested in tank on lees for a further four months.

Will repay careful cellaring for up to 12 years.

Ratings

Score
98 points
Reviewer
Wine Pilot
Review

The 2022 vintage will be very hard act follow, I tell myself, as I brace for disappointment. And then it hits like a vampire smelling its prey, pupils dilate and I am utterly captivated. Perfectly ripe lemons, peach sorbet and fresh linen billowing on the hills hoist. Whipped meringue cream, honeysuckle and bee pollen. Oak? What oak, yes it is there, with arches of cinnamon, fresh sawdust and hazelnut praline. But the fruit, oh the fruit reins supreme! It tickles the corners of your palate just where it should. Provides ample natural acidity and clean young almond milk creaminess on the finish. There is shale and river stone and the undercurrent of not quite fathomable things, all at work to make you beg for another glass. With two wines that are so totally convincing, the magic of the Tolpuddle vineyard is real. Drink with prawn Har Gow dumplings and die happy.

Score
97 points
Review

Bright medium-light yellow colour; smoky charcuterie, struck flint and toasted hazelnuts to sniff. The wine is intense, focused and very long on the palate. Piercing lemon/citrus flavours, fresh and balanced acidity driving it long and promising a big future if cellared, although it's a great drink right now. An outstanding chardonnay.

Specifications

Closure
Screw cap
Serving Temp.
12-15 °C
Alcohol
13.5%
Cellar until
Now - 2036
Decanter
Food pairing
Chardonnay pairs exquisitely with a wide spectrum of dishes, including buttery seafood, creamy pasta, roasted poultry, and dishes featuring rich sauces.

Tasting Profile

Nose
Lifted aromas of orange blossom and white jasmine are hallmarks of a cooler season.
Palate
The palate is powerful, layered and textured with grapefruit, lemon pith and minerality. Low yield flavour intensity is balanced with electric acidity.

Tolpuddle Chardonnay 2023

Tolpuddle Chardonnay 2023
Bottle
QTY

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The Reserve Cellars. ABN 89621364994 Liquor License 196883. The Reserve Cellar supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. WARNING: Under the Liquor Act 1992, it is an offence to supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $6,000). for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $500).

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