Tolpuddle Chardonnay 2023

Established in 1988, Tolpuddle Vineyard derives its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs – English convicts banished to Tasmania for their pioneering agricultural union. George Loveless, their leader, once toiled on land near Richmond, a parcel of which now encompasses Tolpuddle Vineyard, where mature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines bask in a north-eastern embrace, gently ascending from Back Tea Tree Road. With its light silica soil overlaying sandstone, this vineyard boasts a judiciously restrained vigor, fostering a harmonious vine balance that yields grapes of exceptional flavor and intensity.

In 2006, the inaugural Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year accolade graced Tolpuddle Vineyard, affirming its unique and distinguished character.

With unwavering dedication, Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW assumed ownership in 2011, aspiring to elevate Tolpuddle Vineyard into the pantheon of Australia's finest single vineyards.

Our coolest season on record. Slightly unsettled flowering thanks to a wetter than average spring, resulting in mild 'Hen and Chicken', giving a combination of small and normal sized berries, and much lighter bunches than normal.

Low yields benefitted from drier conditions for the remainder of the ripening period, ensuring fruit was harvested in pristine condition.

All fruit was hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, and fermented in French oak. The wine spent ten months in barrel with gentle stirring as required, then rested in tank on lees for a further four months.

Will repay careful cellaring for up to 12 years.