Dalwhinnie Three Valleys Pinot Noir 2021

Sourced from three exceptional cool-climate Tasmanian sites—Huon Valley, Lower Derwent Valley, and Coal River Valley—Dalwhinnie’s 2021 Three Valleys Pinot Noir delivers a seamless fusion of elegance, layered fruit, and fine structure.

The 2021 vintage was the driest on record, with constant spring winds during budburst reducing yields. Cooler-than-average temperatures extended the ripening season, resulting in delayed harvest dates and fruit of exceptional concentration and flavour.

Each vineyard parcel was fermented and matured separately in large-format French oak for ten months before blending. The minimal-intervention approach allows each valley’s terroir to contribute to the final wine: Huon’s delicate florals, Derwent’s savoury depth, and Coal River’s intense fruit purity.

Tasting Note
Deep garnet with a crimson hue. The nose offers red berries, blood orange, and dark cherry, with hints of exotic spice, shiitake broth, rhubarb, and sous bois. The palate is brightly fruited yet structured, showing concentrated plum, cranberry, and sweet bergamot, woven with mineral acidity and fine, powdered tannins. The finish is graceful, lingering, and savoury.

Small-Batch Detail

• Region: Huon Valley, Lower Derwent Valley & Coal River Valley, Tasmania

• Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

• Alcohol: 13.5%

• Vintage Conditions: Driest vintage on record, low yields, long ripening period

• Fermentation & Maturation: Each parcel fermented and matured separately in large-format French oak for 10 months

• Cellaring: Best within 3–5 years of vintage (to 2026)

Expert Review
⭐ 94 Points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 2024

“A bright aromatic profile of red cherry, redcurrant jelly and raspberry coulis with hints of blood orange, exotic spice, shiitake broth, rhubarb, sous bois, dried cranberries and smoked meats. Spiced sour morello cherries and fine tannins feature as the wine departs with a graceful air.”

FinePinot Note
Three valleys, one harmonious Pinot Noir. The 2021 Three Valleys release balances brightness and depth—ideal for pairing with duck breast, roast quail, or grilled salmon.

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, Tasmania Pinot Noir is a not to be overlooked.