2024 Dalrymple Cottage Block $80

In the beginning there was just Dalrymple Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir from vines planted at Pipers River by Dr Bertel Sundstrup and his family back in 1987. Then came the release of the 1996 Dalrymple Special Bin Pinot Noir and the good doctor was off to the races with his finely-tuned, limited release wines.

Vineyard ownership passed to South Australia's Hill-Smith family in 2007. Local bloke Peter Caldwell arrived on the scene in 2010 and has been Dalrymple Vigneron ever since. He knew the vineyard back at the beginning, and has always treated the company's single vineyard Cottage Block wines with kid gloves.

This 2024 is a ripper. It comes from Sundstrup's cherished D Block, which back in the day gave rise to a slightly richer, fuller-bodied style of wine than the one simply labelled as Dalrymple Pinot Noir. That was due to its special clonal selections – mostly 115 and D5V12 – and its sheltered location, away from the prevailing sea breezes.

Vintage was a warm one across the State, so there's a little more flavour intensity than in cooler seasons, with the variety showing ripe red/dark cherry characters, in addition to the kitchen spice element that often pops up in these wines.

That noted, Pipers River is nevertheless a relatively cool part of Tasmania's north-east, and the aromatics are brighter and clearer here than you'd see in the warmer Coal River Valley or along the East Coast, for example. Fragrance is one of Pinot Noir's key assets. The palate, meanwhile, is stylish and well-sustained, rather than sumptuous. Fruit sweetness is carried aloft by fine ripe tannins and lingering acidity, with the wine's lasting impression being one of savouriness. With finesse.

I love these wines with Asian-spiced roast duck. Drink and enjoy now or at any time over the next 5-10 years.

Source: Retail purchase

www.dalrymplevineyards.com.au

Last page update: 10 October 2026