2024 Dawson & James Island Belle Chardonnay, Derwent Valley

The grapes are sourced from the Meadowbank vineyard in the Derwent Valley, Tasmania, utilizing patches of younger vines and new clones that we expect to evolve into Dawson James wines over time.

Dawson & James Island Belle Chardonnay from Tasmania’s Derwent Valley is a beautifully expressive cool-climate Chardonnay that delivers incredible detail, precision and finesse for the price. Sourced from the Meadowbank vineyard in the upper Derwent, this wine captures the region’s hallmark acidity and mineral drive with layers of ripe citrus, stone fruit and subtle savoury oak. It’s made by two of Australia’s most experienced hands, Peter Dawson and Tim James, who bring decades of winemaking pedigree and an obsession with balance and site transparency.

The fruit is whole-bunch pressed, fermented with wild yeast in French oak barrels (about 25 percent new) and matured on lees with occasional stirring to build texture and complexity. The winemaking is minimalist but focused — aiming to let the vineyard and vintage speak clearly through structure and restraint.

In the glass, Island Belle opens with aromas of lemon curd, white nectarine, grilled almond, struck match and a flicker of sea spray. The palate is elegant and finely structured, showing ripe citrus and stone fruit layered with flinty reduction, creamy lees and bright, natural acidity. The finish is long, pure and gently savoury.

Food pairing: ideal with grilled scallops, chicken and tarragon pie, roast cauliflower with tahini, or goats cheese tart. It also pairs beautifully with triple cream brie or nutty alpine cheeses.

Cellar potential: drinking beautifully now but will develop further nuance over the next 5 to 7 years, gaining savoury depth and complexity.