The 2024 vintage marks a milestone for Yabby Lake—the first release from their new Tasmanian vineyard, located deep in the heart of the Coal River Valley. This site represents a natural extension of Yabby Lake’s philosophy: crafting single-vineyard wines of purity, balance, and regional identity.
The 2024 growing season was cool and dry, producing small crops of pristine fruit with exceptional flavour concentration and natural acidity. Fruit was hand-picked between 21–22 March, then transferred overnight in climate-controlled storage to the Yabby Lake winery in Victoria. After hand sorting, whole berries were fermented in oak vats with 8% whole bunch inclusion, followed by maturation in 500L French oak barrels (25% new). The wine was bottled on the estate in January 2025.
Tasting Note
Deep crimson in colour. Aromas of dark berries, violet and subtle spice lead to a plush, rounded palate supported by fine-grained tannins and striking fruit depth. The finish is long, precise, and finely textured—coal-river elegance at its best. Drink now or cellar for 5–10 years.
Small-Batch Detail
-
Region: Coal River Valley, Tasmania
-
Vineyard: Yabby Lake Tasmania (single vineyard)
-
Harvest: 21–22 March 2024
-
Fermentation: Natural fermentation in oak vats, 8% whole bunch
-
Maturation: 500L French oak (25% new)
-
Alcohol: 13.5%
-
Cellaring: 2025–2035
-
Closure: Screwcap
Expert Reviews
⭐ 95 Points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (June 2025)
“A super Coal River Pinot Noir from Tom Carson; 8% whole bunch. Dark cherry and red plum fruits cut with hints of struck flint, medina spice, poached rhubarb, dried shiitake, mountain herbs, leaf litter, oak spice, Chinese barbecue joint and earth. Nicely composed with pure spicy fruit flow, fine river-silt tannins and that vivid saline acid drive the southern isle does so well.”
⭐ 95 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review (August 2025)
“Brilliantly bright purple-red colour of medium depth; aromas vegetal and plummy, with green olive and whole-berry nuances. Excellent concentration of dark cherry flavour and firm structure that bodes well for the future. A wine of depth, structure, and potential.”
🏆 Trophy – Best Pinot Noir, 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show
Fine Pinot Note
A stunning debut for Yabby Lake’s Tasmanian chapter. The 2024 Coal River Pinot Noir combines vibrant southern island energy with Yabby Lake’s hallmark precision—a beautifully detailed wine of dark-fruited richness, fine structure, and long cellaring potential.
