A Focus on Tasmanian Pinot Noir

A Focus on Tasmanian Pinot Noir

Posted by Joe Perry on 12th Nov 2021

With one of the richest histories in Australian wine regions, the small island state of Tasmania is home to over 200 vineyards and over 90 cellar doors. For many wine drinkers, a bottle of Tasmanian Pinot Noir can be quite a recent discovery, but in fact the first vineyards in the region were first recorded almost 200 years ago in 1823. The first sparkling wines were produced soon after in 1826. Wine grapes were grown across the island during the 1800's, however is wasn't until the 1950's when commercial grape growing really caught on.

Grapes were planted by migrants to Tasmania, as similarities were noticed between the terroir here and in well known European regions. Previously considered as too far south to grow wine grapes, Pinot Noir was planted in Tasmania. Today the region is considered to be one of the finest cool climate wine growing regions in the world.

Tasmania is influenced by a maritime climate, meaning it experiences long growing seasons of warm days and cool nights. The ocean winds keep the region free from drastic changes in temperature, allowing the grapes to slowly ripen on the vines. These factors contribute to the exceptional Pinot Noir we see today.

While technically considered one region, Tasmania is home to a wealth of sub regions all producing their own unique styles of wine. These include - Tamar Valley, Coal River Valley, Pipers River, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley, the East Coast, and more.

While the plantings of Pinot Noir in Tasmania are minute compared to global standards. The comparisons of the vineyards and wines to the top quality Pinot Noir from around the world is impossible to ignore.

The combination of the cool climate, excellent quality and diversity of vineyard terroir, and world class viticulturalists and winemakers that work across the subregions in Tasmania are why the standard of Tasmanian Pinot Noir today is among the very best in the world.

Here's a few Tassie Pinot's that we're enjoying at the moment. 

Priory Ridge Pinot Noir 2018
$40.00 each or $36.00 in any 6

A bold and serious nose on this wine. It's got great backbone and drive. Mineral with dark fruit, some pepper, cassis, bramble, and violet liqueur. It's cooling on the palate with impressive body and finish. Certainly will cellar well but looking terrific now also. 
Moores Hill Pinot Noir 2020
$38.00 each or $34.20 in any 6

A touch of new French oak, brings a rich, rounded palate up front. Sweet and sour cherry and strawberry. Tannins are driven by baking spices, cinnamon, touch of vanillin. A nice hit of spice with some fresh fruits in the back. Great drinking. 
Sailor Seeks Horse One Monkey Pinot Noir 2019
$50.00 each or $45.00 in any 6

From purchased grapes due to the difficult 2019 vintage, from Pipers River and Joe Holyman. Dark cherries and plums, nice fleshy red fruits followed by earthy tannins, some forest floor, mushroom, and medium grippy tannins. Lovely, refreshing finish. 

Hughes & Hughes Pinot Noir 2020
$42.00 each or $37.80 in any 6

Blend of fruit from the Coal River, Derwent, and Tamar Valley. Freshness plays a bit role here, lovely red flowers, fresh strawberry and raspberry as well fill the nose. Exotic and enticing in aroma. Soft, silky and elegant all over with a sprinkle of spice and fruit on the palate. 

Storm Bay Pinot Noir 2020
$28.00 each or $25.20 in any 6

A good blend of savoury and fruity characters. Red currants, blackberry, red liquorice, earl grey tea, damp forest floor all coming together on the nose and palate. This looks great upon opening and unravels in the glass. Easy drinking with a hint of complexity.  
Marions Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
$47.00 each or $42.30 in any 6

A richer, structured style of Pinot Noir. Immediate spice box on the nose with perfumes of rose petals, mint and eucalyptus. Nice tension on the palate with grippy tannins, wafts of dark fruit filling the palate full of berries. A hint of earth and game undertones in the wine bring it all together for a great red meat dish accompaniment. 

Marco Lubiana Lucille Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
$59.00 each or $53.10 in any 6

An intriguing Pinot Noir from Marco Lubiana. 100% biodynamic and well farmed fruit is the key here. It's vibrant and alive, blood orange, ruby grapefruit, wild blue flowers and so much more on the nose. It's silky in texture with great weight on the palate bringing more spiced cherry, Christmas cake, and zingy acidity as well. 

Stefano Lubiana Primavera Pinot Noir 2020
$45.00 each or $40.50 in any 6

100% biodynamic. Primavera is the most approachable wine of the Stefano Lubiana range. It's juicy and welcoming, red fruit galore with some soft acidity on the mid palate. An easy drinking style with soft, fruity tannins to finish. Great for a cheeseboards, sharing plates, and light meat dishes. 
Barringwood Estate Pinot Noir 2020
$40.00 each or $36.00 in any 6

A Pinot of exceptional balance, initial aromas show bright pink fruits along with some blood plum, and orange rind. Around 20% new French oak adds a great layer of spice, some sweet spices and vanilla to match also. A hint of earth and rustic charm comes onto the mid palate adding a delicious complexity. This wine should develop very well over 5 years. Will match stronger dishes very well. 

42 Degrees South Pinot Noir 2020
$34.00 each or $30.60 in any 6

A great, everyday option made at Frogmore Creek. Upfront soft cherry juice, pomegranate, rhubarb, and ripe plums. Light chalky tannins follow alongside refreshing acidity as well, cracking week night wine. 

Clarence House Estate Pinot Noir 2020
$39.00 each or $35.10 in any 6

Great, classic style of Pinot Noir hinting at its European counterparts. A mix of old and new French oak brings a nice, layered feel to this wine. Forest floor, dark berries, sappy, herbal tannins. Rich and rounded in the weight on the palate, a stunning Pinot with structure. 
Aspley Gorge Pinot Noir 2018
$85.00 each or $76.50 in any 6

An absolute benchmark for Tasmanian Pinot Noir. 'The colour is typically dark with a translucent depth. The nose has the rich Apsley Pinot fruit, but something else is pushing through; charcuterie, earthiness, and so much more. After smelling the wine you know the palate is going to be good. Very good! A powerful entry, filling the mouth with rich fruit, complex textural tannins and the indescribable mystery of pinot . As always decanting is recommended.'