Who makes it?
Tolpuddle is the Tasmanian vineyard owned by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW. The dynamic duo behind the outstanding Shaw + Smith label from Australia’s Adelaide Hills launched this label in 2013. The story behind the Tolpuddle label started with a moment of compulsive insanity (click here to read about it). Of course, beginning such as this are not unusual in the wine world. The potential for Tasmania, Australia’s ‘Apple Isle’, to produce great wine has long been known in Australia. Undeniably, It is heartening to see the state deservedly start to accrue accolades from around the world. Particularly for their finely honed Chardonnays, elegant Pinot Noir and superb fizz.
How they make it?
The Pinot Noir ferment has some whole bunches included. This increases complexity of the aromas and flavours. It also adds texture without necessarily adding to the tannins in the wine. Pinot Noir wines respond very well to having a portion of whole bunches in the mix.
After the ferment, the wine rests for about 10 months in a combination of old and new French oak. About one third of that oak is new.
What does it taste like?
This is a delightful blend of red fruit and black fruit flavours and aromas. Particularly plum and blackcurrant. It is underlined aromatically with some earthy forest floor and perhaps some raspberry leaf. Fuller in body, it still sits lightly on the tongue. The Tolpuddle Pinot noir has such an elegant footprint. The raspberry and plum fruit finishes with some toasted nutmeg.
What to drink with it?
Duck is an obvious match with this wine, but it will also go well with Peking Duck. And lamb. And black bean beef. Or you could have posh bangers and mash. The choose really is up to you.
Cheese
Enjoy this wine with a truffled d’Affinois or truffle cheddar.
Quickie review « Tasmania really is a treasured space for fine Australian Pinot Noir. »
Country of Origin: Tasmania, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2025
Price: UK £75 | AU$150 | USD$85 ++
Drink: now – 7+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting
Like Tolpuddle Pinot Noir? You might also love the following Pinot Noir wines:
Burn Cottage Moonlight Race Pinot Noir
Elephant in the room Pinot Noir
Domaine de Montille Les Grèves Beaune Premier Cru
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