2024 Chatto Lutruwita Pinot Noir, Tasmania

Chatto Lutruwita Pinot Noir is Jim Chatto’s most recent release under his Tasmanian project and represents a beautifully nuanced blend of fruit sourced from across the island’s top vineyards. Lutruwita is the original Palawa name for Tasmania, a nod to the deep sense of place Chatto brings to all his wines, and a fitting title for a wine that captures the essence of Tasmanian Pinot Noir in one bottling.

The fruit for Lutruwita comes from a mix of cool-climate subregions including the Huon Valley, Derwent Valley, and Tamar Valley, each contributing its own voice. Some sites provide power and structure, others perfume and lift. The fruit is hand picked and fermented with indigenous yeasts, with a portion of whole bunches included for extra aromatic complexity and tension. The wine is matured in seasoned French oak to maintain purity and freshness.

The nose is vivid and pure, showing red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal, dried herbs and a subtle smoky thread. The palate is silky and precise, with juicy red fruit at the core, fine acidity, and a savoury edge that builds into a long, mineral finish. It’s elegant and finely textured, offering real depth without overt weight.

Food pairing: excellent with duck breast, roast quail, miso-glazed salmon, mushroom tarts or soft cheeses like Robiola. Also great with spiced lentil dishes or grilled beetroot salad.

Cellar potential: beautifully drinkable now but will reward 5 to 8 years in the cellar as the layers evolve and deepen.