They say practice makes perfect and with the seventh release of this single vineyard Chardonnay from Dawson & James, we have to agree. Near perfect seasonal conditions produced a precise and elegant wine with white flowers, crisp apple blossom and grapefruit. Think sweet, slightly mineral citrus flavours with a soft, natural acidity that lingers well beyond the first sip.
An elegant cool-climate style, Dawson & James is a top expression of single vineyard, Tasmanian Chardonnay. The grapes are sourced from the Meadowbank vineyard, a unique and protected site on the upper Derwent River. Rich, yet texturally complex, with bright acidity and impeccable balance, it ranks among the finest examples of contemporary Australian Chardonnay.
This Chardonnay is the result of Tim James and Peter Dawson’s cumulative 70 years winemaking experience. Hand-picked at optimal maturity from a single vineyard 60 odd kilometres north-west of Hobart, this vintage is one of the finest examples of contemporary Australian Chardonnay, adored by our customers and critics alike with Gold medals from both Decanter Wine Awards (2020) and the Tasmanian Wine Show (2019) as well as points in the high 90s across the board.
Light yellow hue. New oak is quite evident on the nose. Butter, citrus and mineral notes, too. The palate is refined and taut, focused and intense, with great delicacy and subtlety. Long and pure. A beautiful chardonnay. The full symphony is playing here. (chairman's trophy, Tasmanian Wine Show 2015)
96 points, The Real Review (January 2015)
Still pale, bright straw-green; sourced from the Meadowbank Vineyard in the Derwent Valley, and impeccably made; the Tasmania acidity of 7.1g/l has been secreted in the fruit flavours by some sleight of hand, not by the high quality French oak in which the wine was fermented and matured. This is still a baby, with years to grow, although will not necessarily become more beautiful. Gold Tas Wine Show ?15.
96 points, Wine Companion (December 2014)
Full-flavoured chardonnay though with plenty of succulence and drive. Tropical fruit, crisp apples, ripe pears and wood spice. It slips down a treat. Quality rarely looks so easy.
94 points, The Wine Front (February 2016)
