2020 Jansz Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Pipers River

Pale straw with a fine, vibrant bead and mousse. Aromas of green apple, lemon and white peach with hints of fresh brioche, clover blossom, stone, sea spray, mushroom broth and ozone. Expressive and finely focused on the palate, with a slip of almond paste and crushed seashells and a lipsmacking, mineral-laden finish. Drink to 2036.

94 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, April 2026

The fruit for this wine was sourced from a single block in Jansz’s estate vineyard in the Pipers River area of northern Tasmania. The grapes were pressed as whole bunches, with only the fine fist press juice retained for fermentation in well-seasoned older French oak barriques. The wine rested for eight months on lees before a selection of barrels were chosen to be blended for this wine. The bottled and tiraged wine spent four years on lees ahead of disgorgement and subsequent release.

Pale golden in colour, the wine opens with a fine, lively bead and mousse. The aromas are fresh, with white orchard fruit and citrus leading the way before sweeter bakery aromas start emerging. The elegant palate follows suit, with a creamy texture and flinty flavours of citrus and nougat.

An elegant aperitif, this would pair well with a range of finger food. Premium sparkling wines are however far too versatile to be kept for starters only, and this wine would pair well with crisp-skinned mulloway or maybe as simple pre-dessert crispbread topped with well-aged Comté.

Vegan friendly.

About this producer

Jansz is a premium Tasmanian producer of traditional, bottle-fermented sparkling wine owned by the Hill-Smith family whose contribution to Australian fine wine can also be felt through the Tasmanian table wines of Dalrymple and Parish Vineyards, as well as South Australia’s Yalumba, Heggies Vineyard and Pewsey Vale, to name but a few.

Based in the Pipers River area of northeastern Tasmania since 1998, fruit is also drawn from estate vineyards in the Coal River Valley, a short drive northeast of Hobart. Winemaking is in the hands of a talented team led by Teresa Heuzenroeder.