Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2020

Professional Ratings

• 99 James Suckling

  This really asserts itself at the top echelon of chardonnay, in a context that extends far beyond the shores of the tiny island state of Tasmania. Already in such a great place, with aromas of white peach, lemon, lemon curd and very precisely curated sulphides adding interest. There’s wet chalk, lemon peel and gentle hazelnutty oak in play as well. The palate has seamless, layered and fresh citrus and peach flavors, as well as a stream of pithy grapefruit and peach on offer. Acidity holds the finish long and true. This is one of the most elegant vintages of this wine, reminiscent of the 2014. Oak chimes in so subtly on the finish. Drink or hold.

• 98 Australian Wine Companion

  Tolpuddle is cementing its place in the great regional chardonnays of Australia, with its piercing purity and intensity reflecting its great Richmond vineyard. Its impact on the aftertaste has no equal, leaving you rooted to the spot. Tolpuddle doesn’t waste great vintage opportunities.

• 97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  This 2020 Chardonnay doesn't have the unbridled rawness of the 2018 or 2019, but it does retain the pure core of fruit and acidity. Each component of this wine is interwoven with the others, resulting in a natural glide across the tongue. The phenolics of this wine are most attractive to me—a return to the glorious open weave texture of the sublime 2013 vintage, which allows you to sort of sink your teeth in and move the wine around in the mouth after it's gone. Pronounced curry leaf and brine characters are here, along with preserved lemon and salinity. I love this painful little wine—it is salty and moreish, and it stings... almost. Pleasurable to the max. Best After 2022. Rating: 97+

• 95 Wine Enthusiast
  From Tasmania’s southeastern Coal River Valley, Tolpuddle has cemented its reputation as one of Australia’s most revered single vineyards. The winery’s Chardonnay style is a rich, Burgundian expression, leaning fairly heavily into reductive, struck match, flint and roasted nut territory. But it never goes too far. The delicate white peach and preserved lemon notes are what tip it back into balance. The palate is mouthfilling but lifted by pristine acidity. A lick of hazelnut oak supports without dominating, and a toasty, saline finish lingers long in the mouth. A classy and distinctive Chard with a long life ahead.
• 93 Wine Spectator

  Wonderfully vibrant and sleek, with mouthwatering intensity to the Meyer lemon, lime sherbet and toasted sesame seed notes, with accents of orange blossom and fresh lemon verbena that linger on the long, expressive and refreshing finish. Drink now.