The 2025 Stargazer Tupelo is a beautifully aromatic, Alsace-inspired white blend that showcases Samantha Connew's flair for crafting textural, cool-climate wines from Tasmania's Coal River Valley. Named after the rare Tupelo tree and its prized honey, the wine is a harmonious blend of 39% Pinot Gris, 30% Pinot Blanc, 24% Gewürztraminer and 7% Riesling, with each variety contributing its own personality. Handpicked fruit receives a short period of skin contact before wild fermentation in seasoned oak and ceramic egg, followed by two months on lees, creating a wine of remarkable texture, perfume and balance. The nose is wonderfully expressive, revealing pear, white peach and mandarin layered with honeysuckle, rose petals, ginger, musk and delicate spice, all lifted by a subtle mineral freshness.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with a glossy, silky texture balanced by vibrant natural acidity and a touch of residual sweetness that enhances the wine's generosity without sacrificing freshness. Layers of nashi pear, citrus, stone fruit and floral spice are complemented by hints of almond paste, white flowers and saline minerality, leading to a long, refined finish with exceptional energy and finesse. Complex yet effortlessly drinkable, this is a beautifully composed white blend that captures the elegance of Tasmania while paying tribute to the great Gentil wines of Alsace. It was awarded 95 points by both Erin Larkin (Wine Advocate) and Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion).
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2025 Stargazer Tupelo is a wonderfully versatile, textural white that shines both as an aperitif and at the dining table. Pair it with Thai curries, roast pork, grilled prawns, aromatic Middle Eastern dishes, washed-rind cheeses or pork dumplings. Enjoy now through 2033, allowing its texture, spice and mineral complexity to continue evolving beautifully in bottle.
