2021 Delamere Estate Chardonnay, Pipers River

Hand-picked, pressed direct to French barriques and foudres; fermentation and 100% mlf both completed naturally. Ten months' maturation with lees stirring. The spine of tungsten acidity is a unique Tasmanian signature, and not to be undertaken lightly.

95 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Barrique (25%) and large format oak, going through full malolactic.

Creamed honey and white flowers, nectarine and apple, oatmeal, a layer of cinnamon and ginger oak. It’s glossy and creamy, but has tight pink grapefruit acidity, again a sort of nutty/oatmeal flavour along with sweet spices, a little brine in the mix too, some flintiness to texture, and a slight caramel flavour on a long finish. Quite opulent and rich in style, though not at the expense of zesty acidity.

95 points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au Jul 2022 Drink 2022 - 2026+

Delamere Estate Chardonnay is one of the quiet benchmarks of Tasmanian Chardonnay and a compelling expression of Pipers River at its cool climate best. Delamere sits just a few kilometres from Bass Strait, where cold maritime influences shape a long, slow growing season. The result is Chardonnay of tension, purity and natural acidity, with a distinctly Tasmanian sense of restraint.

The estate is led by Fran and Françoise Imlach, pioneers of the Pipers River region who planted their vineyards in the late 1980s when Tasmania was still an outlier in Australian fine wine. Their focus has always been on site and balance rather than power, with low yielding vines, careful canopy management and a minimalist approach in the winery. Delamere fruit has also been sought after by some of Australia’s leading sparkling and still wine producers, which speaks volumes about its quality.

In the glass, Delamere Estate Chardonnay is finely detailed and poised. Aromas of white peach, nectarine and lemon curd are layered with subtle notes of cashew, oatmeal and struck match. The palate is tight and linear, driven by bright natural acidity and a chalky mineral line that reflects the gravelly soils and cool maritime climate. Oak is beautifully integrated, adding texture and quiet complexity rather than flavour dominance. The finish is long, savoury and mouth watering.

This is a Chardonnay that shines with food. It pairs effortlessly with grilled fish, scallops, roast chicken or richer seafood dishes, and it has the structure to handle creamy sauces without losing its shape. While impressive young for its energy and precision, Delamere Estate Chardonnay also rewards time in the cellar, developing greater depth, nutty complexity and savoury nuance over five to ten years.

Delamere Estate Chardonnay captures the essence of Pipers River. Cool, composed and quietly confident, it is a wine that speaks clearly of place and of a producer who has helped define Tasmania as one of Australia’s great Chardonnay regions.