Sam Connew doesnt do anything by halves. Between tending her Palisander vineyard in the Coal River Valley and juggling fruit from trusted growers in the Derwent and Richmond, shes carved out a reputation as one of Tasmanias sharpest voices on Chardonnay. And the 2024 might just be her finest yet.

The season brought a welcome shift from the cooler La Nia years, delivering fruit with both ripeness and zip. Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed and fermented wild in 500L French oak (20% new), the wine was left alone in barrel – no stirring, no fuss – before a short rest in tank ahead of bottling. Its an approach thats all about precision and trust in the fruit.

In the glass, its lithe and layered. Lemon peel and white peach take the lead, with subtle pastry and cashew notes from oak, and just a flicker of flint to keep things tight. The palate has generosity without weight, stonefruit and almond characters carried long on a line of briny acidity. Theres a quiet confidence to it – everything in balance, nothing forced.

Made in small quantities, this is a Tassie Chardonnay that captures both Sams touch and the best of the 2024 season. Cellar it if you can, but good luck resisting it now.

96 points
“This flint-struck wine from Samantha Connew pushes all my buttons.”
– Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion)