2023 Dalrymple Single Site Pinot Noir, Coal River Valley

Bright ruby with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry fruits with hints of exotic spice, leaf litter, pomegranate, amaro, orange blossom, roast game, dried citrus rind and crushed stone. The gamey notes flow in a bit more on the palate, infusing through the pure dark cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruits as the palate unfurls slowly, supported by chalky tannins and fine, lacy acidity.

95 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Medium depth of red with a rim of purple; the bouquet embraces sweet black cherry and smoky, spicy notes; the palate richer and plumper than the Pipers River wine, with softness and fruit-sweetness surrounded by masses of superfine tannins. Some meaty reductive traces add an extra dimension 01 Jul 2025 Drink 2025–2035

94 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Dalrymple Single Site Pinot Noir from the Coal River Valley is a quietly powerful and beautifully poised expression of Tasmanian Pinot, sourced from a specific vineyard nestled in the rolling hills outside of Hobart. The Coal River Valley is cooler and drier than other Tasmanian regions, with long autumns that allow for slow ripening and natural acid retention. Combined with ancient alluvial and dolerite-rich soils, it produces Pinot Noir with clarity, structure and a savoury edge.

This single site release sits within Dalrymple’s collection of regional Pinot Noirs that each speak to the subtleties of place. Crafted under the watchful eye of winemaker Peter Caldwell, the Coal River Valley expression leans into the darker, brooding side of Pinot Noir while still retaining the varietal’s hallmark perfume and finesse. Small-batch fermentation, a touch of whole bunch, wild yeast and careful use of French oak all work in concert to let the vineyard character shine through without adornment.

In the glass, the wine is vibrant yet deep, with aromas of black cherry, mulberry, Szechuan pepper, dry sage and a hint of graphite. The palate shows impressive concentration and energy, with fine tannins, mineral tension and layers of fruit and spice that open with air. There’s a gravelly texture and savoury undertow that gives it a sense of seriousness and age-worthiness, balanced by bright acidity and lifted florals.

Pair it with slow-roasted duck with plum sauce, grilled lamb backstrap with rosemary and olive, or porcini polenta with shaved pecorino. It’s drinking beautifully now with decanting, but it will build further complexity over the next 7 to 10 years.

Dalrymple’s single vineyard series has garnered attention for its detail and regional honesty, and the Coal River Valley bottling is no exception. It’s a cerebral, terroir-driven wine that speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression—Tasmanian Pinot at its most contemplative.