Island Belle is our calling card based on our established winemaking approach and philosophy
The grapes are sourced from the Meadowbank vineyard in the Derwent Valley, Tasmania, utilizing patches of younger vines and new clones that we expect to evolve into Dawson James wines over time.
All of the grapes are hand picked and gently processed to retain a pure expression of fruit and vineyard characteristics. The wines are fermented and matured in seasoned high quality French oak barrels that have been used for previous vintages of Dawson James.
Island Belle Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines highlight fruit purity, flavour and softness combined with our hallmark bright acidity. They are approachable when young but retain structure for longevity.
Island Belle has its own identity with a label that is evocative of discovery and beauty. The island state of Tasmania and a nod to the Belle Epoque.
2024 Island Belle Chardonnay
The 2024 growing season was drier than normal with temperatures being slightly above the long term average. Mild conditions during flowering ensured good fruit set and above average yields.
Ripening was very even and the grapes were hand-picked on 20th March, 2-3 weeks earlier than normal.
Following harvest the bunches were hand-sorted prior to being whole bunch pressed. The juice was allowed to undergo natural fermentation in seasoned French oak barriques and puncheons.
Post bottling the wine has unfolded yielding attractive lemon curd and grapefruit aromas. Nutty , creamy characters follow through onto the palate which is soft and full, finishing with mouth-watering natural acidity
2024 Island Belle PINOT NOIR
The 2024 growing season was drier than normal with temperatures being slightly higher than the long term average.
The grapes were hand picked on 21st March, three weeks earlier than the previous vintage with both MV6 and 115 clone Pinot Noir being used.
Forty percent of whole bunches were retained for inclusion in open fermenters which were allowed to undergo fermentation with naturally occurring wild yeast. Following a short maceration on skins at the finish of fermentation the wine was basket pressed and transferred to well-seasoned French oak barriques for maturation.
The wine has vivid colour with lifted aromas of black cherries and savoury, bunchy notes. The palate has a creamy texture, combining ripe red fruits with gentle tannins and soft, lingering natural acidity.
Awarded GOLD medal, 95 Points, 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards
COOL CLIMATE WINES
Our grapes are grown on the Meadowbank vineyard, approximately 60 kms northwest of Hobart. Its rugged topography is bounded by the fast flowing, pristine waters of the Derwent River. These grapes are used to create our unique Chardonnay and Pinot Noir single vineyard wines.