Wines Coal River Lowestoft Estate - Pinot Noir - 2023

Lowestoft Estate’s 2023 Cuvée Pinot Noir from the Coal River region in Tasmania presents itself as a vibrant and elegant red, crafted with the finesse one expects from cool-climate viticulture. Pinot Noir from Tasmania, particularly in recent vintages, is renowned for its purity, precision, and expressive fruit profile. On the nose, you can anticipate delicate aromatics, with nuances of red cherry, wild strawberry, subtle hints of rose petal, and gentle undertones of spice or forest floor. The winemaking approach here is likely to be relatively hands-off and sensitive, aiming to preserve the varietal’s delicate character. The palate should be beautifully layered, offering brightness and freshness with fine tannins and a lingering, savoury finish.

The Coal River Valley, situated just north-east of Hobart in southern Tasmania, is one of Australia’s rising wine regions, celebrated for its cool maritime climate. The region features a combination of ancient soils—largely clay and loam over sandstone—which impart a unique mineral tension to the wines. Days are long and temperate, while nights can be quite cool, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, enhancing both aromatic intensity and acidity balance. Coal River’s viticultural history is relatively young in global terms, but Tasmania as a whole has rapidly established a reputation for world-class Pinot Noir and sparkling wines in recent years.

This elegant style of Pinot Noir suits a broad variety of dishes. Classic pairings include roast duck breast with a cherry or red wine jus, or pan-seared salmon accompanied by root vegetables. Locally inspired options might feature Tasmanian venison or lamb, perhaps with roasted beetroot or a light herb jus. The wine’s freshness and gentle structure also make it an ideal partner for mushroom risotto or lighter game dishes, allowing the subtle complexity of the wine and food to interplay beautifully.

For optimal enjoyment, allow the bottle to breathe for a short while and serve at a slightly cool temperature—ideally around 14-16°C. This will highlight its aromatic detail and vibrant character, ensuring each glass reveals the elegance the Coal River Valley has come to represent.