Derwent Estate Tasmania Pinot Noir

Grown on a north-facing-bank of the Derwent River, pinot noir from this 28-year-old cool-climate-vineyard is regarded among the most consistent and reliable in Tasmania. Six different clones are all grown on VSP trellising. The soils are permeable loams over limestone, each block with different depths of topsoil.

Picked at flavour ripeness in small parcels, the grapes were in perfect condition on arrival at the winery where 85% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed and 15% as whole bunch. Eventually 20 open fermenters were used. 15% of the must was inoculated with a selected yeast strain, the balance was allowed to ferment naturally. Most batches spent 28 days on skins, all fermenters were hand plunged four times daily. Gently pressed into 100% French oak, 25% new, no sulphur in barrel, malolactic fermentation naturally occurred in spring. A small amount of Sulphur was added prior to bottling, this vintage was filtered.

Tasting Notes

This Pinot Noir has an aromatic nose of Black and red cherry, mulberry, spice and earthy. The palate shows Intense bright fruits, spice and briar. Defined and intense fruits, texture and weight throughout, tannins are very present yet fine and integrated, which carry the flavour right to the back of the palate.

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.