Apsley Gorge Tasmania Pinot Noir 2023

2023 was a challenging year. The Pinot fruit achieved good phenolic ripeness while hiding the berry characteristics under some very firm tannins. We pushed it through a very long cold soak to express more varietal fruit.

The wine is initially closed, with some funky notes , and then opens up to show complex pinot character. This wine will fully reveal itself once decanted.

Tasmania, Australia

(Image source : Tolpuddle Vineyard)

Tasmania is Australia’s southernmost wine region. Its commercial vineyards date back to 1823, when Bartholomew Broughton planted the first vines. Incidentally, the very first vines in Victoria and South Australia also originated from Tasmania. The Tasmanian wine industry then lay dormant for nearly 100 years due to the gold rush, with commercial winemaking only resuming in the 1950s. After 70 years of development, Tasmania has become synonymous with premium wines, especially Pinot Noir. The island is divided into several sub‑regions—Tamar Valley, Pipers River, Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley, Huon Valley, and the East Coast. Among these, Coal River Valley is the most sought‑after: the winner of the 2024 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge hails from there, as does the highly coveted Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir. For a Pinot Noir enthusiast, this is a region not to be overlooked.