Region: Tasmania, Australia

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes: Tamar Ridge is one of Tasmania's biggest wineries (relative compared with some of Oz's mainland giants) yet it rarely skimps on quality. This Pinot is an excellent example, showcasing the density yet elegance of Tassie's north. It is a well of flavor: tangy red currant and blueberry fruit underpinned by earthy, savory notes like cured meat, five-spice powder and graphite. The elegance arrives on the medium-weight palate thanks to its rapier acidity. It feels porous, like it's running through granules of sand, but also focused: a dance between acidity and unique tannin structure. A distinctly Tassie wine to drink now until 2028.

Producer: Tamar Ridge, located in Tasmania's Tamar Valley, has established itself as a premier producer of Pinot Noir, leveraging the unique cool-climate terroir of the region. Founded in 1994, the winery is perched on the western slopes overlooking the Tamar River, offering an ideal environment for growing complex, aromatic wines. Known for its dedication to innovation, Tamar Ridge combines artistry and scientific precision, constantly experimenting with winemaking techniques and vineyard management to craft wines that reflect the nuances of their site and climate. This commitment has made Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir synonymous with the elegance and intensity for which Tasmanian wines are celebrated​.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2018 Pinot Noir is crafted primarily from the Kayena Vineyard, comprising over 30 distinct Pinot Noir sites with diverse clones, each contributing to the wine's depth and character. The vineyard's varied soils, ranging from quartz sand to heavier ironstone clay, allow for site-specific expressions. Winemaking at Tamar Ridge emphasizes minimal intervention to let the terroir shine, incorporating methods such as cold soaks and the use of natural yeasts. The result is a wine that encapsulates the vibrant fruit flavors and structural finesse characteristic of Tasmania's exceptional Pinot Noir​.