Tasting Notes
From the north-east facing slopes of the Coal River Valley, Tolpuddle Chardonnay shows crystalline aromas of white peach, lemon curd and grapefruit zest, lifted by struck flint, cashew husk and subtle floral notes. The palate is taut and finely structured, with citrus and stone fruit carried by bright acidity and a saline mineral thread that reflects the vineyard’s silica-over-siltstone soils. Lees contact adds savoury depth and texture, while oak is seamlessly integrated, providing structure without intrusion. Long, precise and full of tension, this is a benchmark Tasmanian Chardonnay with the capacity to age gracefully. - Chris L
Tolpuddle Vineyard, located in the Coal River Valley of southern Tasmania, is one of Australia’s benchmark cool-climate vineyards. Originally planted in 1988, it came to wider acclaim after being purchased in 2011 by Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw, founders of Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills. The vineyard is named after the Tolpuddle Martyrs, English labourers deported to Tasmania in the 1830s, whose history is tied to the land.
The site is planted exclusively to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, on north-east facing slopes with light, silica-over-siltstone soils that restrict vigour and encourage low yields of concentrated fruit. The Coal River Valley’s dry climate, long sunshine hours and cool temperatures allow for slow ripening, giving the wines natural acidity, fine structure and purity.
Tolpuddle wines are made with a minimalist hand—hand harvesting, wild ferments, gentle extraction and judicious use of oak—resulting in wines that are taut, precise and expressive of place. Their Chardonnay is renowned for its mineral drive and tension, while the Pinot Noir shows perfume, elegance and finely woven tannins. Together they have positioned Tolpuddle as a reference point for cool-climate viticulture in Australia.
| Product Type | Wine White Chardonnay |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Tasmania |
| Sub Region | Coal River |
| Winemaking Practices | Conventional |
| Vineyard Practices | Conventional |