Pinot Noir
Dawson James Pinot Noir is sourced from some of the original vines planted on the Meadowbank vineyard in the Derwent Valley. The MV6 and Pommard clone vines, planted in 1989, make them some of the most mature vines producing wine in Tasmania today.
We value the grapes from these mature vines for the depth, texture and structure that they contribute.
When it comes to Pinot Noir we take our inspiration from Burgundy whose red wines have been described as;
“…the most ambiguous and elusive wines on the planet.”
Jonathon Nossitor, Liquid Memory 2009
Following hand picking all bunches pass over a sorting table with typically 40% retained as whole bunches for inclusion in the fermentation. The remaining bunches are destemmed with the berries being individually sorted on the basis of colour and soundness. Following a 3-4 day cold maceration, natural fermentation proceeds over a 6-8 day period with the temperature reaching 30-32 degrees. After a short post fermentation maceration the fermenter is drained and skins are basket pressed with the pressing wine then returned to the free run and transferred to barrels.
The wine is matured in Burgundian coopered French oak barriques, 40% new, for a period of 8-10 months.
2021 Pinot Noir – Dave Brooks, Halliday Wine Companion 2025 – 95 Points
“Mid-cherry red in hue with inviting notes of macerated wild strawberries and red and dark cherries. A bed of fine spice with hints of forest floor, rose petal, earth, amaro herbs and a waft of Campari-esque stalky complexity. Fine tannins create shape while fine lacy acidity lends vitality and drive, finishing long and pure of fruit.”
2020 Pinot Noir – Dave Brooks, Halliday Wine Companion 2024 – 94 Points
“ Subtle earthy red fruits on the nose with cherry plum and subtle, savoury and velvety notes. Good fine tannins supporting elegant red fruit flavours. Elegant palate with restraint, middle weight and good persistence.” 96 points
2018 Pinot Noir – 2021 International Wine Challenge, Tasmanian Pinot Noir Trophy.
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.