94 James Halliday Points

Elegant cool climate wine from SE Tasmania. 

Clear crimson-purple; the bouquet is fresh and fragrant; the wine enters the mouth without any fanfare of trumpets, but uncoils its flavours as it accelerates through to the back-palate and finish, savoury, spicy tannins moving into forest floor notes.- James Halliday

The first "Old Block" of vines at Coal Valley Vineyard was first planted in 1991 by Drs. Margaret and Gradon Johnston who recognized its potential. Over twenty years later the vineyard, with steep slopes facing due north, has a steady track record of producing award winning, elegant, true cool climate wines.

Since acquiring Coal Valley Vineyard in 1999, the current owners - Gill Christian and Todd Goebel have expanded the original vineyard, with a strong focus on sustainability, whilst keeping it family owned and run. More remarkable were Gill and Todd’s concurrent lives: one in India, the other in Tasmania, flying in 6 times a year. Twelve acres of vines are now planted out mainly to Pinot Noir but also to Riesling, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

They aim to make the best wine they possibly can  - all the vines are hand pruned, grapes are hand picked and only the best quality fruit is used to produce the Coal Valley Vineyard wines.

The Coal Valley Estate 'Barilla Bay' Pinot Noir 2011 is a lovely light fresh fruit driven Tassie Pinot made for drinking now. Raspberry and cherry on the nose and juicy cherry palate. A good match with grilled quail and Tasmanian salmon.

Enjoy:)