Dalrymple Cave Block Chardonnay 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Dalrymple Cave Block Chardonnay is produced from a single vineyard in the Pipers River region of Tasmania. This specific vineyard block benefits from a unique microclimate, slightly warmer than the surrounding area due to its shelter from north-westerly winds. The basalt-rich soils provide excellent drainage and encourage deep vine rooting, allowing the vines to access water during dry conditions.

This vineyard's deep loam soils and old vines contribute to naturally high acidity and concentrated fruit flavors. The combination of cool maritime influence and a warmer microclimate helps create a Chardonnay that is both elegant and richly textured.

Winemaking

The Dalrymple Cave Block Chardonnay is crafted with meticulous care. The grapes were hand-picked to preserve their quality, followed by whole bunch pressing to extract delicate juice. The wine was then fermented in a combination of new and older French oak barrels for 11 months. A portion of the wine underwent wild fermentation, which adds complexity, and the use of malolactic fermentation helped to soften the natural acidity, bringing balance and structure to the wine.

Lees stirring during maturation contributed to the wine’s creamy, unctuous texture, enhancing its complexity and length on the palate.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold.
• Aroma: Aromas of white peach and fresh ginger, with subtle notes of leatherwood honey.
• Palate: A complex, creamy, and richly textured palate with an unctuous mouthfeel, balanced by the signature linear Tasmanian acidity, leading to a fresh and lingering finish.

Did you know?

The Cave Block at Dalrymple Vineyards is known for its low yields and steep slopes, which result in intensely concentrated fruit. First planted in the 1990s, this block has become one of the estate’s flagship sites for producing high-quality, cool-climate Chardonnay that can age gracefully for up to 10 years or more.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Abalone ravioli: The wine's creamy texture complements the delicate flavors of abalone.
• Crayfish risotto: The rich, buttery texture of the risotto is enhanced by the Chardonnay’s complexity.
• Cannellini bisque with porcini mushrooms and thyme: The earthy mushrooms and herbal thyme pair beautifully with the wine’s fresh acidity and creamy mouthfeel.

History of Dalrymple Estate

Founded in 1987, Dalrymple Vineyards was established by local pioneers with a vision of creating world-class cool-climate wines in Tasmania. The estate, located in the picturesque Pipers River region, was chosen for its cool maritime climate, ideal for producing wines with vibrant acidity and refined structure. Over the years, Dalrymple has earned a reputation for its focus on sustainable viticulture and its dedication to capturing the essence of the Tasmanian landscape in every bottle.

The estate has been shaped by the stewardship of Peter Caldwell, the current winemaker, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the region’s unique microclimates. Under his leadership, Dalrymple has continued to innovate while maintaining a deep respect for traditional winemaking practices, ensuring that each wine reflects the vineyard's natural environment.

Region and Vineyards

Dalrymple Vineyards is located in the Pipers River region of northern Tasmania, a premier location for cool-climate viticulture. The region’s maritime influence and long growing seasons contribute to the development of wines with high natural acidity and complex flavor profiles.

The estate’s vineyards are characterized by deep loam soils with underlying basalt rock, providing excellent drainage and encouraging the vines to root deeply. This, combined with the cool, windy conditions during the growing season, allows for a slow and even ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines of exceptional balance and structure.

In addition to its Pipers River vineyard, Dalrymple sources fruit from other carefully selected vineyards across Tasmania, including Coal River Valley, which adds richness and depth to their wines.

Wine Range

Dalrymple Vineyards is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which showcase the clarity, precision, and elegance that define Tasmanian wines. The winery produces several expressions of these varieties, including single vineyard wines like the Cave Block Chardonnay and Dalrymple Pinot Noir. Each wine is a testament to the unique terroirs of Tasmania, with a focus on small-batch production and meticulous attention to detail.

Their Chardonnay is known for its fine balance between rich texture and bright acidity, while the Pinot Noir displays a refined structure with layers of fruit and earthy complexity. Dalrymple also produces limited quantities of Rosé and Sparkling wines, further showcasing the versatility of the Tasmanian climate.

Did you know?

The Pipers River vineyard, where Dalrymple is located, was once a cattle farm before it was converted into vineyards in the late 1980s. The transformation from farmland to vineyards reflects the growing recognition of Tasmania’s potential as a world-class wine-producing region.