Tolpuddle Chardonnay Tasmania – 2022

Tolpuddle are one of the leading producers in Tasmania.

2022 was the coldest vintage in Tasmania in more than a decade. Cool conditions especially around the time of flowering resulted in a combination of low yields and concentration of flavour. These cooler conditions which persisted throughout the entire growing season culminated in great natural acidity, now synonymous with Tolpuddle Vineyard fruit.

About the wine

A strong but low yielding vintage for Chardonnay in 2022. On the nose, there is great purity, with florals, lemon and lime notes. The palate has intensity and flavour but the personality of this wine is defined by its lightness, delicacy, and precision. It has excellent balance, with a crystalline character, fresh acidity and impressive persistence of flavour.

The grapes were all hand picked, whole bunch pressed, and fermented in French oak. The wine spent nine months in barrel with gentle stirring as required, then rested in tank on lees.

“The 2022 Chardonnay is a ripper. It is really intensely flavored and has a profusion of firm, ductile tannins. The fruit is spicy and leans into salted pineapple, a hint of kiwi fruit, shaved fennel, white peach and brine. The phenolics are making themselves felt through the finish, and I put this down to the wine evolving; it ages brilliantly, or so I think, and it is just setting itself on its trajectory now. This is very good, and it will be better. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.” 96/100pts The Wine Advocate

“Light bright yellow with a smoky, nutty, barrel fermented bouquet which also packs seaspray/oyster-shell, mixed spices and talcy aromas into the mix. In the mouth it’s very intense and focused, tensioned and crisp, without strident acidity but lovely refreshing properties. A superb wine, quietly complex and penetrating, obviously barrel-fermented but not showing too-overt oak. The acidity is bright and refreshing and cleanses the aftertaste. Amazing length. Magical stuff.” 98/100; Huon Hooke for The Real Review