Tolpuddle 2024 Chardonnay

 

Over the past decade, the Tolpuddle vineyard in Tasmania's Coal River Valley has emerged as one of Australia's great single vineyard sites. Planted only with chardonnay and pinot noir, the wines it produces have gained global acclaim for their elegance. While the 2024 Tolpuddle Pinot Noir is also very impressive, this is my pick of the duo - just. From an excellent vintage for quality, this is taut; brilliantly poised with grapefruit and lemon sorbet notes to the fore on the palate, which has astutely judged acidity, minerality, concentration and just a hint of oaky nuttiness. A perfect example of the vinous excellence of which which Tasmania is capable. Pair with a rare tuna dish. Be quick. it has probably already sold out. $120.  https://www.tolpuddlevineyard.com/

Small Island 2024 Coal River Pinot Noir

 

Here's a pinot noir with a real spring in its step. There's plenty of weight here but also some lively savoury notes. James Broinowski started by crowd-finding his first release but is now a decade into his winemaking career. This new release is made from fruit sourced from two different sites in the Coal River Valley just outside Hobart. Made in small batches at the Dr Island facility at Cambridge, this is midway between middleweight and light-heavyweight if you are a boxing fan. There is impressive structure here, just a lick of saltiness, and I suspect this will cellar for a few years. We paired it with steak, onion rings and salad - a very nice combo. $49. www.smallislandwines.com