Ranked #4 of 94 2021 Pinot Noir from Coal River Valley
97/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Excellent depth of red with a strong purple tint, the bouquet black cherry, meaty/charcuterie and mossy undergrowth, while the palate is full and strong, with richness and fleshy extract aplenty, a powerful wine with tannins that are assertive and long. A subtle stalky whole-bunch note on the follow-through. A solidly built pinot of impressive concentration and real substance.
Tasted: 13/12/2022
Drink: 2022 to 2036
96 Points James Halliday
It's hard to believe that Tolpuddle celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, but I remember being impressed by the wines at the launch, and I still await each release with a similar enthusiastic impatience. This year’s looks good already: perfumed macerated strawberry and raspberry notes with some dark cherry and boysenberry in the bass. There are hints of Chinese five-spice, rhubarb, mushroom broth, sous bois, forest floor and rain falling on turned earth, with perhaps just a whiff of struck flint in the distance. The whole-bunch component here is beautifully judged, the palate shape sleek and possessing ample tension and grace, gentle tannin support weighing in as the wine sails away into the distance. Seamless drinking now but will reward those with patience. Drink to 2035.
Dave Brookes. July, 2023