Description
Delamere Vineyards is one of Tasmania’s longest running family owned and operated wine estates, focused on producing distinguished sparkling (Methode Traditionelle) and still wines from the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties. Nestled amongst the cool maritime slopes of Pipers River, in north eastern Tasmania, the vineyard was first established in 1982 placing it amongst the oldest vineyards in the region. With 6.5ha of grapes now established on the property, the age of the vineyard makes it a rare resource in Tasmania, and valuable due to the significant increase in wine quality associated with mature vines. The winery is owned and run by husband and wife vigneron’s Shane Holloway and Fran Austin (formerly of Bay of Fires).
From the winemakers: “Our passion for the region of Tasmania, at similar latitude to the Champagne and Burgundy regions in France, arises from a desire to seek out a genuine cold climate that can produce wines of classic structure, combining fruit intensity with refinement, complexity with persistence of flavour, and the ultimate expression of grape and region. The region of Pipers Brook in the north east of Tasmania enjoys a significant climatic advantage that is unique in Australia, that of a very low variability of maximum temperature. This stability is born from a unique set of geographical features, the hot northerly winds are cooled by the waters of Bass Strait, while the cool southerlies gain heat as they cross the island. This, combined with cool, relative temperatures and significant sunshine hours make for ideal conditions to retain delicate aromas. The frosty and sometimes wild conditions of winter give way to clear, crisp, blue sky days through the growing season, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly, assuring a lingering acidity essential to producing premium cool climate varietals.
“In the time leading up to the 2018 vintage, the vines were slow to wake up. Below average temperatures in July, August and September resulted in a late bud burst, and left us wondering if we were facing a long-drawn-out vintage. Things started to heat up from October onwards however, delivering above average spring and early summer temperatures, and one of the earliest harvests we have seen at Delamere. These unusual conditions produced solid crop levels with gorgeous flavour intensity, coupled with racy acidity. Flavour ripeness came on quickly, so it was all backs to the grindstone in a race against time as a compressed vintage unfolded before us. We are pleased to say that our hard work and long nights prevailed and we emerged out the other side of vintage spent but fulfilled, and above all delighted with our 2018 wines
The Pinot Noir was hand harvested from over-30 year old vines on the Delamere property. In 2018, we included roughly 30% whole bunches in most of the Delamere Pinot parcels, with each undergoing fermentation with wild yeast in open top vessels. The wine was pressed off after two to three weeks and filled to Burgundian oak to mature. A rich and full mouth-feel results from gentle handling and spending time on lees.
A lifted aroma of fresh cherries and hints of floral violets. As the wine opens up, earthy notes and star-anise spice start to show. The palate is complex and silky, with all the spices and fruits playing out on a long palate, framed by firm sinewy tannins.”
Top shelf Pinot of intensity (showcasing old vine depth of fruit 25-35 year old vines) complexity and elegance. Do not miss out this pedigree Pinot it is an absolute bargain!
95 points, James Halliday, 1/3/2020 “Typical pale red colour equally typically misleads with its implication of light varietal expression. This is an intense wine, with rose petals and wild strawberries amid wafts of forest floor.”
RRP $53 … Our Price $44.99
(Also available as 6 Pack Buy – Click Here)
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