Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 750ml

Product Info

98pts Winepilot
"A smattering of quartzite, white apple flesh, and lemon aspen. Chalk dust and fennel seed. Nutmeg grated into white sauce, ground ginger, and the luxuriousness of triple-cream brie. The acidity dances with light, agile feet across the palate, while new oak is so artfully integrated you find yourself searching for the seams it’s been woven into. This is perhaps the most dialled-back expression of oak on the nose—not from lesser use, but from the way it has been entirely absorbed by the fruit and the wine’s palpable energy. Buoyant and spritely, its mealy mid-palate creaminess is swiftly chased by almond skin and a flicker of sea-flake salinity. A triumphant vintage of Chardonnay, and a testament to the vineyard’s impeccable quality—one that many fortunate visitors can now witness firsthand. This is as exciting as the 2023 but in a way that is more classic Chanel than Alexander McQueen. Drink with roast snapper collars and a squeeze of lemon. Drink now or will cellar for 6-10 years further."

Terroir
The 2024 Chardonnay from Tolpuddle Vineyard is a benchmark expression of cool-climate Australian viticulture, rooted in the pristine environment of Tasmania. Situated in the Coal River Valley, just outside Hobart, the vineyard benefits from one of the most marginal yet rewarding climates for Chardonnay in the Southern Hemisphere.

The site is defined by its gently sloping aspect and free-draining soils composed primarily of ancient sandstone and sandy loam. These soils naturally limit vigor and promote deep root systems, resulting in low yields of highly concentrated fruit. The mineral composition contributes a subtle saline and flinty character, forming the backbone of the wine’s structure.

Tasmania’s maritime climate is central to the vineyard’s identity. The surrounding Southern Ocean exerts a strong cooling influence, ensuring long, slow ripening periods. Summers are mild, with extended daylight hours that allow for gradual flavor development without excessive sugar accumulation. Cool nights preserve acidity and enhance aromatic intensity, while consistent breezes reduce disease pressure and maintain fruit health.

The 2024 growing season reflects these conditions, delivering fruit of exceptional balance—combining ripeness, precision, and vibrant natural acidity. The terroir ultimately yields a Chardonnay of tension and clarity, where power is expressed through refinement rather than weight.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Under the stewardship of the team at Shaw + Smith, who own and farm Tolpuddle Vineyard, the approach to Chardonnay is one of precision and restraint, aiming to capture the vineyard’s purity and natural energy.

Grapes are hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, ensuring gentle extraction and preserving delicate aromatics. The juice is then transferred to French oak barrels—typically a mix of new and seasoned oak—where fermentation occurs with native yeasts. This barrel fermentation enhances complexity and integrates subtle oak influence from the outset.

Malolactic fermentation is carefully managed, often allowed to occur partially, striking a balance between preserving the wine’s natural acidity and building textural richness. The wine is aged on its lees for approximately 9–12 months, with occasional bâtonnage to develop mouthfeel and depth.

The oak regimen is finely tuned, with new oak used judiciously to add structure and nuance—notes of toast, hazelnut, and spice—without overwhelming the fruit. The final wine typically sits around 12.5–13% alcohol, maintaining a poised and balanced profile.

The result is a Chardonnay that marries Burgundian-inspired technique with distinctly Tasmanian terroir—precise, layered, and mineral-driven.

Tasting Notes
The 2024 Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay presents a pale straw color with brilliant clarity and subtle green highlights. The nose is immediately expressive yet finely detailed, opening with aromas of lemon zest, white peach, and nectarine, complemented by notes of green apple and citrus blossom.

As the wine evolves in the glass, more complex layers emerge—hints of struck flint, crushed oyster shell, and a delicate nuttiness suggestive of hazelnut and almond. Subtle oak-derived notes of toast and spice are seamlessly integrated, adding depth without dominating the aromatic profile.

On the palate, the wine is defined by its tension and precision. A vibrant кислотность (acidity) drives the structure, carrying flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and a touch of grapefruit through a finely textured mid-palate. The mouthfeel is both linear and layered, with a creamy undertone from lees aging balanced by a firm mineral backbone.

The finish is long, focused, and saline, with lingering notes of citrus, flint, and subtle oak spice. The wine’s balance between freshness, texture, and complexity makes it both immediately compelling and age-worthy.

Food Pairing & Service
This Chardonnay’s combination of acidity, minerality, and textural depth makes it exceptionally versatile at the table, particularly with seafood and refined, ingredient-driven cuisine.

It pairs beautifully with shellfish such as oysters, scallops, and lobster, where its saline edge and citrus notes enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood. Delicate fish dishes—grilled or poached—are equally well suited, as are preparations with beurre blanc or light cream sauces.

Poultry dishes, especially roast chicken or turkey with herbs, complement the wine’s balance of richness and freshness. It also works well with dishes featuring mushrooms, truffles, or subtle earthy components, which echo the wine’s complexity.

Serve slightly chilled, between 50–55°F (10–13°C), in a Burgundy-style glass to allow full aromatic expression. Decanting is optional but can help the wine open, particularly in its youth.

Cellaring Potential
The 2024 Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay has excellent aging potential, supported by its vibrant acidity, mineral structure, and balanced oak integration. While already expressive, it will continue to evolve over the next 8–12 years, gaining complexity and depth.

With time, the bright citrus and stone fruit notes will develop into richer, more layered flavors—lemon curd, baked apple, and toasted nuts—while the mineral backbone remains a defining feature. Subtle tertiary characteristics such as honey, brioche, and flint will emerge, adding further intrigue.

Careful cellaring will reward patience, allowing the wine to unfold into a more complex and nuanced expression while maintaining its core precision and elegance.