2026 Tasmania Pinot noir
Through a winemaker friend in Tasmania, I’ve come across an awesome little vineyard located on the Western side of the Tamar River, just a short drive from Launceston. Facing sunrise, it’s cooler than many sites as it doesn’t get the lengthy afternoon sun in summertime.
The vineyard is planted with two clones of Pinot noir, which adds complexity. In 2026 the crop yield was very, very low. Looking closely at the bunches, they are small, with small berries too. This is a signal for quality in Pinot noir, as the flavours, colours, and tannins all lie in the skin, and the adjacent pulp, so small berries are exciting.
The Western side of the Tamar has slopes with gravelly soils, which drain freely, giving the vines less vigour and lower yields. Being near the sea reduces the risk of frost and limits the temperature variation between night and day.
The wine is expected for release in early 2027.
2026 East Coast Tasmania - Chardonnay
The East Coast of Tasmania is stunningly beautiful.
I drove down the long way from Launceston to meet with John Amos, who farms Chardonnay and Pinot just 7 kilometres from the sea. These guys run a farm, complete with all the animals, chickens and turkeys. ucolic and absolutely charming.
The soils are stony, which is always a sign of interest in a vineyard. Stones are not a sign of fertility, and vines which have to work a bit usually make special grapes.