2025 Stargazer Tupelo, Coal River Valley

The 2025 Tupelo is composed of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Riesling, a blend that typifies Tasmania's capacity to combine complexity with eminent drinkability. After tasting hundreds of wines in Tasmania in January, it became clear to me that Pinot Gris grows very well here, and it lends itself to a variety of blends and styles, offering us, the drinkers, a bright and easy-drinking option. To me, it is the commercial proposition of Tasmania, and never has Pinot Gris in Australia looked so good as it does down here, off the mainland. Here, the wine leads with rose petals, white peach, green apple, layers of brine and pith, nashi pear and white flowers. It's balanced, it's fresh, it's textural and it's classy. I love it. Drink to 2036.

95 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, March 2026

Sam Connew's 'Tupelo' is consistently one of my favourite wines in her vinous quiver. You see, it's a blend of pinot gris, riesling, gewürztraminer and pinot blanc and it's a case of the whole being more that the sum of its parts. It's slinky and textural, with characters of poached pear, wildflowers, honeysuckle, crushed stone, clover, iced peach tea, ozone and almond paste. It is complex and wildly easy to drink at the same time ... no mean feat and of course, being Taswegian, there is minerally energy to burn. It's a ripper. Drink to 2030.

95 points Special Value Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, October 2025

Stargazer Tupelo from the Coal River Valley is one of Tasmania’s most expressive and original white blends — a beautifully textural, aromatic wine that captures the creativity and craftsmanship of winemaker Samantha Connew. Named after the bright star that guides travellers, Stargazer Wines embodies Connew’s adventurous spirit and deep respect for Tasmania’s cool climate terroir. The Tupelo blend, inspired by the field blends of Alsace and northern Italy, brings together Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Riesling in a seamless and elegant symphony of fruit, perfume and minerality.

The fruit is sourced from vineyards in the Coal River Valley, a region known for its long, cool growing season and dry, sunny conditions. The combination of dolerite and sandstone soils lends the wine both power and purity. Each variety is harvested separately at optimal ripeness, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeasts. Around a third of the blend is aged in old French oak barrels to build texture and complexity, while the remainder stays in stainless steel to retain freshness and aromatic lift. Lees stirring adds a creamy dimension without dulling the wine’s vibrancy, resulting in a beautifully balanced expression that feels both intricate and effortless.

In the glass it shines pale straw with a hint of green. The aroma is captivating, unfolding layers of pear, white peach, orange blossom, lychee and ginger, interwoven with subtle notes of citrus, spice and honeysuckle. On the palate it is medium bodied and silky, with flavours of stone fruit, mandarin and melon complemented by delicate florals, fine acidity and a chalky mineral finish. Each variety contributes something essential: Pinot Gris for texture, Pinot Blanc for freshness, Gewürztraminer for aromatics and Riesling for drive and tension. The harmony of these elements creates a wine that is both playful and profound.

Stargazer Tupelo pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, Middle Eastern dishes, grilled seafood or soft cheeses. It also works wonderfully with roast chicken, pork belly or creamy risotto. While delicious in its youth for its energy and perfume, it will continue to evolve for six to eight years, developing gentle honeyed and nutty complexity with age.