Overview
A beautifully refined and age-worthy Pinot Noir from Tasmania's Tamar Valley, Holyman Pinot Noir 2023 showcases the elegance, aromatic complexity and precision of cool-climate Tasmanian winemaking. Awarded 96 points by Halliday Wine Companion and 95 points by The Wine Front, this outstanding release combines vibrant red berry fruit, savoury forest-floor nuances and finely structured, chalky tannins.
Crafted from an established estate vineyard block known as "Jack", the wine incorporates 75% whole bunches and 30% new French oak, delivering remarkable fragrance, depth and ageing potential while retaining a delicate 11.5% alcohol.
Vineyard & Winemaking
The fruit is sourced from an old-vine vineyard block called Jack, located within the Stoney Rise estate in Tasmania's Tamar Valley. Grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted in the vineyard, with 75% of the fruit retained as selected whole bunches.
Following seven days of cold soaking, the wine undergoes natural fermentation with no additions other than sulphur as a preservative. It is matured in French oak barriques, including 30% new French oak, contributing subtle spice and savoury complexity. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its distinctive character and purity.
Producer Tasting Notes
Light in colour, but full of flavour. Typical forest floor and hints cranberry and red cherry. The palate has all the hallmark red-fruits, hints of mushroom and a complexing smoky oak edge. The beautiful, chalky tannin from the whole bunch component perfectly complement the fresh fruits. It was bottled without being fined or filtered.
Critic Reviews
96/100 — Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
“Stony, savoury and wonderfully balanced with a chalky tannin architecture and bright mineral cadence.”
Tasted 09 September 2024
95/100 — Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
“Cherry, blueberry, violet and dried roses, black tea, a damp earthy almost truffle-like edge, some pencilly and spicy oak.”
Tasted September 2024
Producer
Stoney Rise Wine Company is a family-owned winery established by Joe and Lou Holyman in Tasmania's Tamar Valley in 2004. The couple acquired a vineyard originally planted in 1986, recognising the potential of its mature vines and exceptional cool-climate location near the Tamar River. A purpose-built winery followed in 2008.
With a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Stoney Rise produces wines that express the distinctive character of northern Tasmania. The vineyards are managed with an emphasis on soil health, sustainable practices and careful fruit selection. The premium Holyman range represents the estate's more structured, complex and cellar-worthy expressions, combining meticulous vineyard management with thoughtful, minimal-intervention winemaking.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2023
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Producer: Stoney Rise Wine Company
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Range: Holyman
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Country: Australia
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Region: Tasmania, Tamar Valley
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Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
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Vineyard: Jack Block, Estate Vineyard
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 11.5%
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Harvest: Hand Harvested
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Whole Bunch: 75%
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Fermentation: Natural Fermentation, 7-Day Cold Soak
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Oak Maturation: French Oak Barriques, 30% New
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Fining & Filtration: Unfined and Unfiltered
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Drinking Window: 2024–2038
