98 Points -
Angus Hughson
Tolpuddle Vineyard in the Coal River Valley region of Southern Tasmania was established in 1988; taking its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs; English convicts transported to Tasmania for forming an agricultural union. Martin Shaw, Michael Hill Smith MW and Matthew Hill Smith purchased the vineyard in 2011 with a vision of making Tolpuddle one of Australia's great single vineyards. The vineyard is planted with mature vines, the cool and dry climate ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of exceptional quality.
Made in tiny quantities, Tolpuddle Chardonnay is highly sought after by lovers of premium Australian Chardonnay; this newly released 2019 Tolpuddle Chardonnay is again in fine form.
"98 Points. A very impressive and seamless Chardonnay that is all class from start to finish. It bursts from the glass with lemon meringue, peach skin and floral aromas that are tight, compact and incredibly focussed, all supported by flinty, spicy oak complexity. The palate is equally explosive - bright and vibrant fruit that is embryonic with crystal clear fruit purity and lifted by savoury smoky, flinty leesy complexity. There is classic creamy chardonnay texture would up tight by a bolt of Tasmanian acidity to provide the most complete Tolpuddle Chardonnay yet. Immense length tops it off beautifully - a clear candidate for this year’s top Chardonnay. $84 Drink: 2020 - 2032" - Angus Hughson, winepilot.com
"97 Points. The filigree structure is a study in delicate balance between pure varietal character, site differentiation and winemaker vision. Lean and bony, its fruit is bound in a taut frame of citrus-tinged acidity, yet the finely drawn flavours show unusual intensity and persistence. Keep looking beyond the pastel sketch of white peach and lemon, and deep down there’s struck flint, a hint of seasoned oak, a lick of wet granite – nothing overt, nothing that doesn’t add to the sum of the parts" - David Sly, Decanter, August 2020.
Tolpuddle Vineyard in the Coal River Valley region of Southern Tasmania was established in 1988; taking its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs; English convicts transported to Tasmania for forming an agricultural union.