Part of Brown Brothers move into Tasmania has involved the acquisition of the Devil’s Corner wines previously controlled by Tamar Ridge. It’s a fruity, (somewhat ironically) tropical expression with a sunny disposition. Interesting that the back label calls it a “[p]ure cool climate Unwooded Chardonnay” and the website makes mention of a small portion undergoing fermentation in old French barriques on solids. Anyway, if you are oak averse I don’t think you’ll have any problems with this.
Smells and tastes of yellow banana lollies, pineapple and melon with a slight soapy-ness. A squeeze of citrus and a dash of spice round it out. Don’t go looking for complexity, intensity or length but it’s ok for the price. 86 Average
Region: Tasmania
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $16.99
Tasted: January 2013
Jeremy, have you got a review on the Dawson&James 2010 Chardonnay on the horizon? Be interested in your analysis. I think the evolution of Chards in Tassie is really exciting.
Geoff – I get sent very few wines from Tasmania. I’m sure the cost of postage to Brisbane isn’t cheap. Accolade send me some wines and I could ask for the most recent Bay of Fires Chardonnay. Apart from that Brown Brothers are the only ones to submit Tasmanian wines. I’ll try to approach a few other producers as I have in the past but unfortunately I wouldn’t hold your breath. I don’t like asking producers again and again. It is their choice and I have no shortage of wines to cover, so at the end of the day it depends on their marketing strategy.
Fair enough, Jeremy. Of course it IS all about marketing. Thanks for response.
Geoff – fortunately there are still quite a number of producers seeking honest feedback on their wines. Sure, a high score is never knocked back but I’m pleasantly surprised by the number of emails I receive from winemakers wanting to discuss their wines and my opinions in greater detail. It’s rewarding for me and hopefully for them.
I do also purchase a number of the wines I review. It’s not always financially viable but it can be a worthwhile option. I’ll keep an eye out for the 2010 Dawson & James Chardonnay and if I am able I’ll try to fit a few more Tasmanian Chardonnays et al into that subsection of wines I purchase to fill out tasting brackets. It’s good to hear what readers are interested in seeing covered and if I can find a way to respond to requests then hopefully we all benefit. I certainly agree that Tasmania is currently a very exciting place in a vinous sense.
I will be attending a Shaw + Smith tasting focusing on their purchase of the Tolpuddle vineyard in Tasmania fairly soon and will hopefully gain a few insights which I can share then.
Cheers
J
On a different note(a musical one), I remember well the Tolpuddle rock band from way back in the 70s! I’ll be surprised if the Shaw and Smith venture doesn’t also rock.
I have high hopes