This week we officially launch the latest release of Pinot Noir from one of Tasmania's most talked-about budding producers, the 2017 Sailor Seeks Horse Pinot Noir.
The Sailor Seeks Horse story is one that encapsulates everything that is romantic about wine. A single site right on the fringes of where it is possible to grow grapes, just two varieties in the ground - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay - and a passionate couple dedicating themselves to producing world-class wines in small quantities.
Paul and Gilli Lipscombe are two highly-skilled vignerons in their own rights, but together they are one of the most formidable winemaking teams in the country right now. What they have been able to achieve in only a few short years in the Huon Valley is nothing short of remarkable.
"We believe it’s on the edge that greatness happens and the Huon is right on that edge."
- Paul & Gilli Lipscomb
In 2011 they purchased a neglected, overgrown vineyard South of Hobart. Blackberries had taken over, half the vines were dead, but to look at the site now you'd never know. It's been a labour of love to bring the vineyard back from the brink. Some said they were mad, but when you taste the scintillating expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay coming from this small block, their blood, sweat and tears were clearly worth it.
The Pinot Noir is silky, savoury and impeccably well structured. The Chardonnay is sleek, focused and tinged with a briny character that is unique to their site.
With a growing list of accolades (including winning the Jimmy Watson in 2015 for their work at neighbouring Huon vineyard, Home Hill), the wines from these two are some of the hottest property in Tas right now.
The newly released 2017 Pinot Noir & Chardonnay are excellent. If you are a collector of Tasmanian fine wine, both of these wines should have a place in your cellar. As their reputation has built, so too has the demand for allocations. There is little doubt these wines are future collectables.
"Some of Tasmania’s finest."
- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)