A single vineyard wine from Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, Tolpuddle is already showing promise as one of Australia’s next great single vineyard Pinot Noirs. Planted in 1988, the vineyard takes its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs, a group of English convicts who were transported to Tasmania for having the audacity to form an agricultural union.
In 2006 the vineyard won the inaugural Tasmanian vineyard of the year award, capturing the attention of numerous wine luminaries including Shaw + Smith duo Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW who acquired the vineyard in 2011. The first release of the 2012 vintage was met with critical acclaim both in Australia and overseas.
Bright, clear crimson; the alluring, perfumed fruits and the integrity of high quality tannins providing the structure for a long future. There is a purity to the red and black cherry/berry fruits that shines through the portals of the savoury/spicy tannins. A luminous future will richly repay those who are patient. 97 points, drink to 2028
Bright, clear crimson; this is right up there with the best of the best from a great Tasmanian vintage, sharing the alluring, perfumed fruits and the integrity of high quality tannins providing the structure for a long future. There is a purity to the red and black cherry/berry fruits that shines through the portals of the savoury/spicy tannins. A luminous future will richly repay those who are patient. 97 points, Wine Companion.
The 2014 Tolpuddle Pinot Noir aroused some controversy; this 2015 release is slightly -- slightly -- riper. It’s a better wine as a result. It’s no shrinking violet. It’s Pinot Noir in a cursive, elaborate script. Herbs flounce, spices flay, twigs trip through sour cherry and beet. A gentle infusion of woodsmoke, orange peel and roasted nuts adds to the feeling that summer has passed, and autumn is well upon us. I like this. It’s complex in a seamless, engaging manner. It combines personality with discipline; it finishes taut and controlled. If it was walking down the street you’d sneak a second look or two.
94 points, Wine Front, November 2016
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