Who makes it?
Tolpuddle is the Tasmanian vineyard owned by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW. The dynamic duo behind the outstanding Shaw + Smith label from Australia’s Adelaide Hills launched this label in 2013. The story behind the Tolpuddle label started with a moment of compulsive insanity (click here to read about it). Of course, beginning such as this are not unusual in the wine world. The potential for Tasmania, Australia’s ‘Apple Isle’, to produce great wine has long been known in Australia. Undeniably, It is heartening to see the state deservedly start to accrue accolades from around the world. Particularly for their finely honed Chardonnays, elegant Pinot Noir and superb fizz.
How they make it?
Every time I taste this wine, it is the fineness and purity of fruit that always makes me stop and take notice. Even when included in a competitive set of the best Chardonnays around the world, Tolpuddle Chardonnay shines like polished beacon. Typically, the grapes are whole bunch pressed after careful hand picking. The ferment takes place in French oak barrels and stays within those barrels for around nine months. For some extra creaminess, before bottling the wine is transferred unracked to tank and left for some extra lees time.
What does it taste like?
The fine grain of texture in this Chardonnay means that the oak regime adds texture rather than overt flavours. The nougat and lightly buttered nuts accentuate the grapefruit and stone fruit. As a result of that extended lees contact, the wine has some flesh to the lean natural acid backbone. It is a fuller bodied Chardonnay and its notoriously elegantly balanced. Like it has a natural grace that resonates and lingers along the finish.
What to drink with it?
After making the decision to drink it young versus letting it sit for a decade, you might like to enjoy this a delicate white fish fillet or grilled chicken with a macadamia butter sauce.
Quickie review «This is unquestionably a benchmark Tasmanian Chardonnay that shows just how polished Australian Chardonnay can be. »
Country of Origin: Tasmania, Australia
Tasting Date:
Price: UK £48 | AU$84 | USD$49 ++
Drink: now – 7+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting
Like Tolpuddle Chardonnay? For a review of a previous vintage click here. Love Australian Chardonnay? Click below for some favourites.
Pierro Chardonnay
Mount Mary Chardonnay
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