Stargazer Wines has always held a special place for us, not just because we love the wines but because we’ve followed winemaker Samantha Connew’s journey with her solo label from her very first vintage. Years ago, we stood in her newly planted vineyard in the Coal River Valley, and now, seeing her vision come to life in these releases, it’s clear that her hard work has payed dividends. Here's a little rundown of the newly released wines from this Tasmanian artisan.
The 2024 Stargazer Tupelo is a great example of what Sam does best—capturing balance and complexity in every glass. A blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Blanc, it’s a playful yet thoughtful wine that balances bright fruit and a rich, textured palate. With a slightly higher proportion of Gewurz this year and the addition of fruit from her Tea Tree vineyard, it's one of our favourite releases under this label which Ned Goodwin MW once dubbed "among Australia's very finest white wines. Period...". It’s no wonder this wine has become a favourite among both sommeliers and casual drinkers alike.
Moving to the 2024 Stargazer Riesling, Sam’s touch with this grape is undeniable. The Coal River Valley’s cool climate lends itself perfectly to this wine, where crisp acidity is paired with a touch of residual sugar, creating a beautifully balanced profile. This is the kind of wine that’s easy to appreciate now but will also reward those with the patience to cellar it for a few years.
The 2023 Stargazer Palisander Riesling steps things up with its textural complexity. This single-vineyard wine showcases the full potential of the Palisander site, fermented in ceramic and concrete eggs for added depth. With extended lees contact, it’s a wine that evolves with every sip. We’ve seen the development of this vineyard firsthand, and it’s fantastic to witness how much character it’s imparting to the wines now.
The 2023 Stargazer Chardonnay is one of the standouts in this release. Wild-fermented and aged in French oak, it’s a Chardonnay that marries richness with fresh acidity. Sourced from both the Palisander vineyard and the Upper Derwent Valley, it carries that hallmark cool-climate elegance, with just enough weight to give it presence. With limited allocations, it’s one to seek out before it disappears.
The 2023 Stargazer Pinot Noir from the Palisander vineyard is another highlight. Sam’s careful use of whole bunch fermentation and French oak elevates the wine, showcasing the complexity of the vineyard’s terroir. We’ve followed this site from its early days, and it’s clear the vines have truly hit their stride. This Pinot is structured, elegant, and a reflection of everything we’ve come to admire about Stargazer’s winemaking, but with such limited production, it’s a rare find.
Finally, the 2023 Stargazer Kura, a blend of Shiraz and Pinot Noir, brings a sense of experimentation to the lineup. Co-fermented to bring together the richness of Shiraz and the bright lift of Pinot, it’s a wine that feels juicy and approachable. It’s a new addition to the Stargazer range and one that adds a little tip of the cap to her days in the Hunter Valley.
Sam's wines are stars of the Coal River Valley with undeniable quality and character in every bottle. Stargazer’s 2024 releases as good as we've seen from her. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering them for the first time, these are wines to savour. As awalys, they will sell out in short order. Secure your allocations below.