Cave Block Chardonnay

Freshly shucked oysters.

Free draining soils and steep slopes results in our Chardonnay vineyard producing low yields of intensely concentrated fruit. Above average spring temperatures and moderate rainfall were responsible for good flower initiation and above average bunch sizes and overall yield.

The fruit was hand-picked and sorted to ensure optimum maturity. Slow whole bunch pressing, to minimise phenolics, and natural wild yeast fermentation was followed by gentle racking. The wine was matured in French oak barrels sourced from six different cooperages. Barrel rolling was employed to ensure light lees contact for texture while malolactic fermentation naturally adjusted acidity for balance and structure.

Dalrymple Vineyards was established by Bertel and Anne Sundstrup in 1987. They were visionaries travelling to France for inspiration and guidance. Situated in the heart of the highly acclaimed Pipers River region of northeast Tasmania almost equidistant from Launceston Scottsdale and George Town the Sundstrups planted their vines on sloping hills that overlook Bass Strait – the wild sea separating Tasmania from the mainland. Pipers River Tamar Valley where the good stuff grows. Imagine – bald windswept hills ancient gums leaning at angles roaring north west gales and sideways rain fluttering wildflowers wheeling eagles. This is wild country. A place of vivid greens basalt browns daffodil yellow and cornflower blues. A place where we co-exist with nature and the land. When it comes to Dalrymple Vineyards there are four stories to be told. Our vineyards. Lean natural acidity matches with intense flavors from root to grape soil to sunshine. Our growers. Our team of hardworking men and women who grow and tend to our grapes with precision and care. Our vigneron. Peter Caldwell and his passion for Pinot Noir which he carefully crushes ferments and separates into various distinct barrels to produce wines of elegance and expression. Our wines. Complex characters weight texture and flavor come together before bottling and mature in our cellar; developing growing and creating a personality.