The Pipers River region, 35 km north-east of Launceston, is the premier wine-producing region in Tasmania and is where Dalrymple comes from. Nestled in a cocoon of mixed vegetation and rolling hills, Dalrymple Estate enjoys a unique and seductive aspect shared by only a few other boutique vineyards. Driven by clean fruit characters of white peach and grapefruit, oak maturation adds increased complexity and depth to the palate. A Chardonnay that's drinking beautifully now but time will no doubt work it magic.
Awards and Accolades
2014 Vintage: 94 Points - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion "Has all the attitude, drive and precision that very good Tasmanian chardonnay can muster up with deceptive ease; grapefruit and white peach are on equal terms, and provide balance in the face of quality oak, and the given of acidity."
From the Winery
Free draining soils and steep slopes results in our Chardonnay vineyard producing low yields of intensely concentrated fruit. The season began with a cool spring providing a long flowering period. Mid-January heralded the start of six weeks of above average temperatures coupled with very little rain, keeping ripening on track.
March and April saw a cooler airflow dominate the North East of Tasmania, favourably slowing the ripening and locking in aromatics with the cooler nights. The fruit was meticulously picked by hand, before whole bunch pressing to a mix of new and older French oak barriques. Winemaking included a parcel of wild fermentation, light lees contact and partial malolactic fermentation.
Delicate white floral notes initially lift out of the glass before the more noticeable aromas of ripe fresh cut nectarine combines with nougat, hazelnuts and mixed dried spices. Flavours of nectarine and citrus form the core of the fruit characters, with brioche and crushed nuts adding complexity and a sense of texture. The warmer 2014 vintage gives a more generous finish, but the hallmark fine acidity is still the driver through the palate, giving life and focus to the fruit flavours.
Don't Pay: $35.00
WBW Rating: 94/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Pipers River, TAS
Winemaker: Peter Caldwell
Drink now until: 2025
Alc/Vol: 12.5 %