Awards, Ratings & Reviews
95/100 ā Halliday Wine Companion 2026 Ā· 2023 Vintage Ā· Published: 12 Aug 2025
āBright ruby with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry fruits with hints of exotic spice, leaf litter, pomegranate, amaro, orange blossom, roast game, dried citrus rind and crushed stone. The gamey notes flow in a bit more on the palate, infusing through the pure dark cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruits as the palate unfurls slowly, supported by chalky tannins and fine, lacy acidity.ā
94/100 ā The Real Review Ā· 2023 Vintage Ā· Published: 01 Jul 2025
āMedium depth of red with a rim of purple; the bouquet embraces sweet black cherry and smoky, spicy notes; the palate richer and plumper than the Pipers River wine, with softness and fruit-sweetness surrounded by masses of superfine tannins. Some meaty reductive traces add an extra dimension.ā
94/100 ā Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Ā· 2023 Vintage Ā· Published: 19 Sep 2025
āThe 2023 Coal River Valley Pinot Noir is lean and spicy, with gravelly, fine tannins and bright acidity. The weaving of all elements of this wine pulls together so pleasingly on the palateāit is grainy and fresh at once. It is sapid, succulent, lean and tight and even tense. The tannins are so profuse, and it moves into rose petals and asphaltāthis is very attractive. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.ā
93/100 ā The Wine Front Ā· 2023 Vintage Ā· Published: 15 Sep 2025
āItās a seamless and even pinot noir, very polished, just so. Dark cherry, a cranberry elements, a touch of lemony coolness and zestiness through the wine, a cushioning of sweet spices, dark chocolate too. Itās brooding but feels soft, if not a touch diffuse, but has its charms and guile. A bit of lathed wood character creeps in. Itās got some flair and finesse.ā
92/100 ā James Suckling Ā· 2023 Vintage Ā· Published: 10 Nov 2025
āAromas of red cherries, raspberries, rose petals and spices with a gentle earthy nuance. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity, fine tannins and a silky texture, giving a balance of purity and depth with a fresh, vibrant finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.ā
About This Wine
The 2023 vintage in the Coal River Valley was strongly influenced by a La NiƱa weather pattern, resulting in cooler south easterly airflow and above average rainfall. These conditions extended the ripening season while reducing yields.
The grapes were predominantly sourced from Block I2 in the Pontos Hills vineyard, comprising clones 114 and 115, managed with detailed hand work to maintain balanced, low to moderate crops.
The fruit was handpicked, with partial whole bunch inclusion, and fermented in stainless steel open top fermenters. The wine was matured in French oak barriques (30% new) for 10 months before blending and bottling.
Producer Notes
Aromas of freshly cut dark purple plums, Asian spice, violets and liquorice with some cola and graphite nuances. A complex mix of dark cherry, forest loam and cranberries is superbly knitted into a structure of fine natural acidity with a hint of French oak tannins. The length is long and subtle with enough tension to give promise for cellaring.
Specifications
- Vintage: 2023
- Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
- Region: Coal River Valley / Tasmania / Australia
- Fermentation: Wild ferment in stainless steel open top fermenters
- Maturation: 10 months in French oak barriques (30% new)
- Vineyard / Geo info: Sandy loam over dolerite, predominantly east / north-east facing
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- Winemaker: Peter Caldwell
- Drinking Window: 2023ā2028
