2022 Coal River Valley Pinot Noir, Tolpuddle Vineyard, Tasmania
The Tolpuddle vineyard was planted back in 1988, and purchased by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith in 2011. It's a prime spot in the Coal River Valley, on one of the many slopes. It's north-facing in a rain shadow, and is a brilliant cool, dry place to grow quality grapes. Originally planted to clones more suitable for sparkling wines, Martin and Michael have gradually re-planted the vineyard to Burgundy clones, and the results in these recent vintages speak for themselves. Their Pinot Noir contains a decent proportion of whole bunches, and around a third new oak. It's full of black cherry, bramble and five spice aromas, with some lift from the whole bunch. Fine soft tannins, luxurious texture and bright, concentrated black cherry and wild strawberry flavours.