Meadowbank Pinot Noir 2023
Regular price $63.00
Unit price per
-
TASTING NOTE / ABOUT THE WINE: The lion’s share of fruit for Meadowbank’s lithe, detailed Pinot is drawn from a north-facing parcel of vines planted by Gerald Ellis in 1987 (which Pete thinks is probably a combination of MV6 and D5V12 clones). For the last two years, a small portion (about 20%) of younger-vine fruit grown on the Top Woolshed block has been included in the blend. These vines were planted in 2014 on a lofty outcrop with more volcanic presence in the soils than the sand, sandstone and dark coffee rock in the old-vine block. The fruit from here lends savoury, graphite undertones to the wine, as well as driving power and grunt to the back palate. Last year’s release took out the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, and this year’s wine (in our humble opinion) is a cut above its predecessor. Once again, Pete’s instinct has paid dividends. “The Top Woolshed block is pretty unique; without doubt, it’s the soil type making the difference”, he told us.
The fruit was picked over two weeks and fermented in two batches. The early pick was fully destemmed, while the later pick fermented with 50% bunches. Maturation took place in a mix of old and new oak (about 10%) for nine months. It shimmies out of the glass with lacy berry purity kissed by floral perfumes. Equally vibrant on the palate, the multi-layered texture deals in gorgeous red fruits flecked with sweet, earthy notes and fine, melting graphite tannins. Wow, delicious. There’s terrific depth throughout, yet the delivery is one of elegance, buoyancy, pretty flesh and subtle mineral-scented length of flavour. Quiet power meets Burgundy-leaning charisma. Bibendum - ABOUT THE PRODUCER: When Gerald Ellis started planting vines on his sheep farm in 1976, conventional wisdom said you couldn’t grow grapes in the cold wilds of Tasmania. But he did, the Meadowbank vineyard is today held up as one of the jewels in Tasmania. High in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, Meadowbank’s vines are rooted in loose sand and sandstone overlying dark brown coffee rock, rich in iron oxides and organic matter. While the vineyard operation has long been positioned at the pinnacle, the winemaking fortunes of the Meadowbank label had ebbed and flowed over the years. In late 2015, all that changed with the arrival of Peter Dredge. Immediately before his partnership with the Ellis family, Dredge spent five years as the leading man at Bay of Fires and House of Arras when Accolade was Meadowbank’s largest customer. Before that, there was a long stretch at Petaluma under Brian Croser. He’s one of Tasmania’s and Australia’s finest (and cheekiest) winemakers. Today Meadowbank spans 52 hectares, of which just eight, planted on their own rootstocks, are cherry-picked for the Meadowbank wines. Gerald’s passionate and thoughtful daughter, Mardi, is the current custodian, and the vines are managed without herbicides with the plan being to explore complete organics—something scarce in Tassie and an evolution that can only result in even higher quality.
- COUNTRY: Australia
- REGION: Derwent Valley, Tasmania
- VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
- WINE STYLE: Red Wine
- WINEMAKER: Peter Dredge
- CLASSIFICATION: Minimal Intervention, Sustainable Farming, Vegan
- CLOSURE: Screwcap
- ABV%: 13.4%
- SIZE: 750ml
FAQ
FAQ
Q: I need help making a drink selection! Can you help?
A: Of course. Drop into the Wine Store or get in touch.
Q: What are my pickup options?
A: Select 'pickup' when you place your online order and you can collect anytime during our opening hours.
Pickup is available during our opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11am - 9pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed
Q: Can someone else pickup my order?
A: Yes if they have your receipt. However all alcohol orders must be picked up by an individual 18 year or older. Proof of age and sobriety are required as per RSA regulation.
Q: What are my delivery/shipping options?
A: Please check out our shipping policy.
Q: How do I make payment?
A: We accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, American Express or through Paypal. If you have a question about your payment please refer to your order number when you get in touch.
Q: I've ordered a digital gift certificate. When will I receive?
A: Once we reconcile your payment, you will receive your voucher via email.
Q: Can I use a gift certificate against multiple transactions?
A: Yes.
Q: I'm ordering a gift for someone. Can you supply a gift note for the wine I have ordered for them?
A: Yes. You can include a gift message when you add the item to your shopping cart in the 'special instructions' box. Please email us at if you have any trouble with this and quote your order number and we will make it all happen!
Q: I'm need to order multiple gifts! Can you help?
A: Of course. Check out our Wine Gifting page.