The 2022 Dalrymple Single Site Estate Pipers River Chardonnay is a refined and expressive cool-climate Chardonnay from Dalrymple’s estate vineyard in northern Tasmania. Located close to Bass Strait, the vineyard benefits from cooling maritime breezes and a long, slow ripening season, allowing Chardonnay to develop concentration and texture while retaining naturally high acidity. The wine opens with aromas of grapefruit, lemon curd and citrus, developing into white peach, nectarine and pear with subtle roasted nuts, spice and mineral notes.
On the palate, it is concentrated yet beautifully restrained, with pear and stone fruit framed by brilliant acidity and a distinctive mineral texture reminiscent of crushed oyster shell and quartz. The fruit was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed before spending 10 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak puncheons and a 700-litre ceramic egg. Lees stirring and malolactic fermentation add texture and complexity while maintaining the wine’s freshness, leading to a long, precise and mouthwatering finish.
Ben's Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for Chardonnay lovers looking for a serious single-site expression of Tasmanian cool-climate Chardonnay. Rather than relying on richness or obvious oak, the Pipers River Chardonnay combines citrus freshness, fine texture and distinctive maritime minerality with impressive depth. Dalrymple recommends careful cellaring for at least 10 years, making the 2022 equally attractive for drinking now or further development in the cellar. Pair with grilled scallops, roast chicken, white fish, seafood pasta, grilled asparagus or aged Comté.
