Delamere Sparkling Cuvee, Pipers Brook, Tasmania

A blend of 68/32% chardonnay/pinot noir with 27% old oak stored reserve wine of four vintages blended into the 2021 base. On tirage 15 months, dosage 5g/L. Pale straw in the glass with a fine persistent bead. Aromas of crunchy green apple, lemon, grapefruit and juicy white peach undercut by hints of crushed stone, white flowers, sea spray, cut fennel and lighter tones of apple danish and almond meal. Excellent tension and drive across the palate with a porcelain line of acidity, pure citrus and apple tones finishing long, true and moreish.

94 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au Jul 2023

Delamere Sparkling Cuvée is one of Tasmania’s most quietly serious sparkling wines, made in Pipers Brook at the northern end of the island where cool climate viticulture really comes into its own. The vineyards sit close to Bass Strait, with long daylight hours, cold nights and a slow growing season that locks in natural acidity. The soils are a mix of free draining sandy loams over clay, ideal for producing base wines with precision and drive.

Delamere is a small, focused estate with sparkling wine at its core. Everything is done on site, from growing the fruit through to traditional method production and extended bottle ageing. The approach is patient and detail driven, with an emphasis on balance and longevity rather than quick release. It is very much a grower Champagne mindset, transplanted to Tasmania.

The wine shows beautiful restraint. Lemon curd, green apple and white stone fruit sit alongside subtle brioche and toasted almond notes from time on lees. The mousse is fine and persistent, giving a creamy texture without heaviness, while the acidity keeps everything bright and linear. There is a real sense of calm confidence here, nothing forced, just quietly complex and very drinkable.

This is a sparkling wine that loves food. It is excellent with oysters, sashimi, tempura or simple seafood, but it also works brilliantly with roast chicken or mushroom based dishes. It drinks beautifully now but has the structure to age gracefully for several more years, gaining extra savoury depth along the way. A benchmark Tasmanian sparkling that rewards attention.