January 22, 2025
Tolpuddle 2023 Vintage Release
Back by popular demand after selling out on the autumn release, we are pleased to present another parcel:
Tolpuddle 2023 Vintage Release
"It seems a gross understatement to say that Tolpuddle has been in fine form as of late, but they have knocked it out the park again with this release from the cooler '23 vintage." - Halliday Wine Companion
"Serious structure, but also succulent, sweet and plush—almost too much of a good thing. Outstanding pinot noir" - The Real Review
Tolpuddle Vineyard, located in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, has established itself as one of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine producers. Founded in 1988, the vineyard quickly gained acclaim for its exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, varieties perfectly suited to the region’s maritime climate. Acquired by Shaw + Smith in 2011, Tolpuddle has since flourished under their stewardship, with a focus on expressing the vineyard's unique terroir.
The cool, dry conditions of the Coal River Valley result in wines that are marked by elegance, precision, and purity. The wines of Tolpuddle are often compared to be in the same leagues as Grand Cru Burgundy but at a fraction of the price.
There is no denying that Tolpuddle has been on fine form the last few vintages gaining high scores fro the critics and the 2023 vintage is no exception coming in once again with very high scores.
The 2023 vintage at Tolpuddle experienced cooler conditions, with a wetter-than-usual spring leading to some hen and chicken and lighter bunches (a good thing!). However, the remainder of the growing season saw ideal ripening conditions. In comparison to the 2022 release, the 2023 showcases a touch more concentration, adding depth to the wine's already impressive structure.
Tolpuddle's Chardonnay and Pinot Noir continue to rival some of the finest Grand Cru wines—at a fraction of the price. With critics singing its praises, and with Tolpuddle's increasing demand, securing your bottles now is highly recommended. These wines promise to deliver elegance and finesse for years to come.
Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023
97 Points | The Real Review, Huon Hooke
Deep red-purple, bright and clear colour; superb rich ripe black cherry fragrance with a kiss of smoky oak, the palate remarkably full and rich, smooth and fleshy with excellent texture and immediate drinking appeal, although it has the legs to age well too. Serious structure, but also succulent, sweet and plush—almost too much of a good thing. Outstanding pinot noir.
96 points | Halliday Wine Companion, Dave Brookes
A cooler vintage for Tolpuddle with some hen and chicken and lighter bunches due to a wetter-than-normal spring, before excellent ripening conditions for the remainder of the growing season. When compared to the '22 release there is a little more concentration on display. Vibrant, magenta-splashed ruby in the glass with aromas of dark cherry, plum and blackberry fruits with hints of crushed herbs, softly spoken vanillin oak, raspberry coulis, charcuterie board, purple flowers, bay leaf and stone. Rich and flowy with spice, herbal and floral tendrils weaving through the pure base layers of dark fruits. Textural and harmonious with finely crushed riverstone tannins and mineral line providing support and cadence. Another cracking release from Tolpuddle.
96 Points | James Suckling - New Review!
Deeply perfumed and floral, with aromas of wild blackberries, mulberry bush, violets and wet bark. The palate is finely tuned with seamless tannins, bright acidity and a creamy texture, giving notes of dark cherries, graphite, boysenberries, spices and rose petals. High tension with a savory edge. Incredibly well balanced. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
98 Points | Halliday Wine Companion, Dave Brooke
It seems a gross understatement to say that Tolpuddle has been in fine form as of late, but they have knocked it out the park again with this release from the cooler '23 vintage. The palest of straw in the glass, the aromas crisp and filigreed. Citrus, white peach and nectarine cut with glorious wisps of struck match and flinty complexity. Grilled hazelnuts, deftly-judged vanillin oak, lardo, white flowers, crushed riverstone, clotted cream and sea spray. The wine envelops the imbiber; flavours precise and pure with an umami-rich, mineral cadence, dreamy texture and daubs of spiced oatmeal, grilled peaches and flint. The finish is sustained, the only thing unresolved the need for another (larger?) bottle. An outstanding Australian chardonnay.
97 points | The Real Review, Huon Hooke
Bright medium-light yellow colour; smoky charcuterie, struck flint and toasted hazelnuts to sniff. The wine is intense, focused and very long on the palate. Piercing lemon/citrus flavours, fresh and balanced acidity driving it long and promising a big future if cellared, although it's a great drink right now. An outstanding chardonnay.
97 Points | James Suckling - New review!
Sophisticated and polished aromas of flint, stone fruit, lemon curd and beeswax. The palate is medium-bodied with a creamy texture that is cut through with a laser-like acidity, giving notes of grapefruit rind, shortbread, orange blossoms and chalk. Exceptional poise and balance with underlying tension coming from a cool vintage. Drink or hold. Screw cap.