2024 Derwent Calcaire Chardonnay, Southern Tasmania

From limestone rich soils in southern Tasmania, this Chardonnay leans into precision and mineral tension, shaped by one of Australia’s coolest growing environments. Derwent Estate focuses on small, site expressive wines, and Calcaire is built to reflect the chalky influence suggested by its name. The cold Tasmanian climate stretches the season, preserving acidity and fine citrus detail while slowly building flavour. The style is tight, linear and quietly powerful, favouring structure over overt richness.

Winemaking is restrained and exacting. Whole bunch pressing and careful fermentation protect delicacy, while extended lees contact adds texture without dulling the wine’s edge. Oak is present only as a background frame, allowing the vineyard’s mineral character to remain front and centre.

Pale gold with green flashes, the aromas open with lemon zest, white peach and grapefruit, followed by flint, almond and a faint saline lift. The palate is medium bodied yet sharply focused, with citrus and stone fruit wrapped in bright, driving acidity. A chalky texture carries flavours long through a clean, mineral finish that tightens with precision.

It pairs beautifully with oysters, grilled fish, roast chicken and butter rich seafood dishes. Drinking impressively now with air, it will cellar comfortably for eight to twelve years, gaining nutty and savoury complexity while retaining its electric spine.

This is Tasmanian Chardonnay in a cool, architectural register, mineral, restrained and built for evolution.