Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW (Shaw & Smith) purchased the vineyard in 2011after a look-and-see jaunt to Tasmania when they became smitten by Tolpuddle's Coal Valley location and mature vines, planted only to pinot noir and chardonnay. They are fully committed to seeing Tolpuddle Vineyard recognised as one of Australia's great single vineyards.  

"A touch of rose petal and Darjeeling leaf hovers above the red cherry and cranberry nose. The palate has depth, concentration, an inner warmth and ripeness that speaks of depth and earthiness amidst the brisk, cool climate freshness. The texture is silky, the bearing is elegant, the finish is long. Simply lovely."  Falstaff

In barely a decade, Tolpuddle has established itself as one of the country's top producers. It produces wines of blistering precision and finesse which have received rave critical acclaim. They are highly sought-after and are some of the finest examples of chardonnay and pinot noir that can be found anywhere on the Apple Isle.

"If ever a new winery was born with blue blood in its veins, Tolpuddle would have to be it."  James Halliday 

Expert reviews

"Hand-picked, whole berries and whole bunches open-fermented with gentle plunging. A wine that explains the love at fist sight when the Tolpuddle partners saw the vineyard. It comes flying through the weather of the vintage that trapped others with a highly perfumed red flower bouquet and into a layered palate reflecting the whole bunch/whole berry fermentation, spicy, savoury, foresty notes form a laurel wreath on the fruit, the oak integrated."  James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion - 97 points and Special Value Wine  ★ 

"Impressively deep red/purple colour, both dark and youthful. The bouquet is youthful and a tad under-developed, showing concentrated dark cherry and dark plum fruit and a hint of toasty oak, without obvious incursion of stemminess. The palate is medium to full-bodied, weighty for an Aussie pinot, with abundant soft tannins and real gravitas. A very smart young pinot, which just needs more time to reveal its full potential. Drink: 2021-2034."  Huon Hooke, The Real Review - 96 points

"A touch of rose petal and Darjeeling leaf hovers above the red cherry and cranberry nose. The palate has depth, concentration, an inner warmth and ripeness that speaks of depth and earthiness amidst the brisk, cool climate freshness. The texture is silky, the bearing is elegant, the finish is long. Simply lovely."  Falstaff - 96 points

"If 2017 is the in-breath/out-breath pulsing wine, then the 2018 Pinot Noir is the glossy, succulent, polished wine. It has grace and flow and an ease about it. Black cherries, pomegranate and red licorice mingle with Szechuan peppercorns, star anise and praline, plus rose petals and minerals. The fruit has enveloped the structure a little better than some of its peers. I love this wine. Drink: 2022-2038."  Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 95 points

"This is a very driven and complex red with dried-strawberry, tea, coffee and mahogany aromas and flavors. Full-bodied yet integrated and compact, giving the wine a refined and very structured impression. This is one to watch. Better after 2022, but already delicious. Screw cap."  James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com - 95 points

"This remarkable single vineyard in Tasmania's Coal River Valley was lovingly restored nearly a decade ago by respected Adelaide Hills duo Shaw and Smith. The 2018 marks Tolpuddle vineyard's 30th year in the ground and the maturity shows. This is quiet at first but with time and air unfurls like a genie from a bottle: cherry, red currant, stony minerality, dried florals, spices and a distinctive umami note. There's a lovely play between acidity and tannins on the silky, medium-weight palate. This is an elegant, terroir-driven wine that's beautiful now but it has a gorgeous life ahead of it. Drink now–2032."  Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast – 95 points

Awards

Special Value Wine - Halliday Wine Companion  ★ 

About the winery

Tolpuddle Vineyard was established in 1988by Bill Casimaty, Gary Crittenden and Tony Jordan and it took its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs: English convicts transported to Tasmania for forming an agricultural union. The leader of the Martyrs, George Loveless, served some of his sentence working on a property near Richmond, part of which is now Tolpuddle Vineyard. The vineyard is planted with mature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, facing north-east, and sloping gently up from Back Tea Tree Road. The soil is light silica over sandstone and of moderate vigour, ensuring well-balanced vines producing grapes of great flavour and intensity.  

Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW (Shaw & Smith) purchased the vineyard in 2011after a look-and-see jaunt to Tasmania when they became smitten by Tolpuddle's Coal Valley location and mature vines, planted only to pinot noir and chardonnay. They are fully committed to seeing Tolpuddle Vineyard recognised as one of Australia's great single vineyards.  

In barely a decade, Tolpuddle has established itself as one of the country's top producers. It produces wines of blistering precision and finesse which have received rave critical acclaim. They are highly sought-after and are some of the finest examples of chardonnay and pinot noir that can be found anywhere on the Apple Isle.