Bob McDonald

9.5

Top flight Tasmanian Chardonnay from Tolpuddle in the Coal River made and owned by Shaw and Smith. A logistical challenge shipping the grapes from Tasmania to the Adelaide Hills in refrigerated containers to Shaw and Smith HQ where the grapes are crushed and vinified. Initially the wine is lean when tasting - perhaps a little young. Lemon and grapefruit fruit notes and barrel ferment characters with a 10 year life ahead. My first of 3. The next in 3 to 5 years by which time I expect more stone fruit textures to be apparent. 98 points from Huon Hooke. — 16 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Quite pale Lemon considering its age. Funky solids musty aromas. Medium bodied medium acid with grapefruit notes on palate and reasonable length. A good Chardonnay from this premium Adelaide Hills producer. From cousins Shaw and Smith - Michael Hill-Smith was Australia’s first Master of Wine. Have spread their wings to Tasmania with the premium Tolpuddle. — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Toffee caramel notes showing the oak influence along with bright red cherries and other red fruits. On the palate a nice savoury earthiness - very Tassie. From the Coal River and only 5 klms from the high profile Tolpuddle Vineyard. Tasted again 9 weeks later on 19th February with consistent notes. Aromatic Bright and Fresh. A lot of these Tasmanian producers are boutique small operations who do not distribute overseas and can sell the lot in Australia. — 7 years ago

Big Wave Dave

9.3

Son of Stefano - already showing great potential. Shy slightly reductive nose. Palate is poised, with orange peel, brioche. Lovely balance. A great Chard - not as complex or structured as Tolpuddle but well worth the $85. — 10 months ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

Very dense crimson/Ruby in colour. A rich full bodied Pinot Noir - as I’ve written in previous Dry River PN tastings - a Shiraz drinkers Pinot. My problem with Dry River PNs has always been the density and lack of nuance even when you cellar them for a long time. I much preferred the 2013 Tolpuddle PN the previous night. — 3 years ago

Martijn

9.1

Because it is Friday......! — 6 years ago

Scott Rowe

9.2

This Crew did make Pinot with our Tolpuddle grapes.
These days dabbling in Shiraz since we cut their supply and doing great things. — 8 years ago

with Anthony

Big Wave Dave

9.4

Stunning pinot and testament to how Tasmania has benefitted from climate change and now taken its place at the top of Australian pinot, along with Yarra, Geelong, and Mornington. The nose is all dusty cherry and deep savoury spice. The palate is elegant, but the impact and concentration of dark cherry fruit is what makes this special. A hint of herbal/vegetal whole bunch. Then the savoury sandalwood kicks in and does not give up. One of the longest finishes i can remember. Cracking. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

The 2nd of 2 Tasmanian Pinot Noirs. Dense Ruby in colour - much darker than the Tolpuddle. Rich aromatics of smoky oak and black fruits - Cherry and Plum which carry through to the full bodied palate. Generous flavours. Finishes dry. Incredibly youthful for 8 years of age. One of the bigger bodied Pinots I’ve had for a while. — 5 years ago

Scott Rowe

9.4

The Nocton Vineyard from Coal River Valley in Tassy just 8 minutes from Tolpuddle Vineyard. Fantastic wine which presents the same logistical nightmare as TPV for us.

The Central Otago TOSQ reveals even larger nightmares as it’s partially fermented before making the journey to a residential winery with tight restrictions on operations.
— 7 years ago