2012 Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir 1.5litre, Coal River Valley

‘The fourth vintage under Shaw & Smith control, this has such immediate appeal and attractive style it will be hard to see this wine making it to many cellars. The nose is super expressive with swirling spicy red cherries and boysenberry-scented pinot noir fruit. It's gently sappy, showing some herbal notes and toasty, spicy oak. The palate has intensity, depth and length; it's fleshy and supple through the middle, but the ever-so-slightly tart red-cherry flavours are mouth-wateringly fresh. The tannins are perfectly groomed, and the acidity is pitch-perfect. A great vintage: They have totally nailed it! Drink now.’
97 pts – James Suckling

‘Bright, clear crimson; this is right up there with the best of the best from a great Tasmanian vintage, sharing the alluring, perfumed fruits and the integrity of high quality tannins proficing the structure for a long future. There is a purity to the red and black cherry/berry fruits that shines through the portals of the savoury/spicy tannins. A luminous future will richly repay those who are patient.’
97 pts – JHalliday

Mid to pale cherry red. Spicy, peppery, attention-grabbing nose. Real integrity. Great savour. Dry finish after the purest of Pinot palates. Great stuff! So sleek and refreshing. Beginning, middle and end. Great violets and freshness on the finish. Fabuloso. Score: 18 (out of 20).

Jancis Robinson - 8th October 2015.