Derwent Estate Wines is a great experience!

Derwent Estates Vineyard was established in 1992.  It is currently at 20 hectares, with 5 different varieties of grapes planted in 2 sites.  Located in the Derwent Valley, it is a well established wine region in Tasmania.  In addition to their wine offering, Derwent Estate has ‘The Shed’ restaurant. Offering a small but exquisite menu of regional modern cuisine, it has a cult following.  This post shares our experience at Derwent Estate Wines and ‘The Shed’ restaurant.

Background

Currently 1500 ha of land in Tasmania are under vine with the majority being white grapes and the remainder black grapes in approximately a 55% to 45% split. The focus in Tasmania is really on quality less so than quantity. Of note just point one percent (0.1%) of Tasmanian wines are exported worldwide. The focus in Tasmania is on light bodied Pinot Noir’s; grapefruit flavoured Chardonnay’s; structured sparkling wines and refined and aromatic rieslings.

Climate

Tasmania‘s cool maritime climate is the result of being cooled by prevailing winds off southern ocean. 

Derwent Estate Wines: The Shed

We had been driving much of the morning on our return from Bruny Island.  We were looking forward to our lunch after reading the reviews.  Arriving slightly early, we were easily accommodated.  Our table of four enjoyed some excellent plates:  Leek, Redbank mustard, Pyengana Dairy cheddar arancini; Thai 7-spice roast duck breast, nashi pear and apple salad, vinaigrette, red curry glazed cashew; Twice-cooked Scottsdale pork belly, fish sauce caramel, pickled vegetables; Fennel roasted pumpkin, Redbank mustard & lemon vinaigrette, pumpkin seed seed dukkah.  Need I go on?  Absolutely wonderful food.  We complimented the meal with Derwent wine.

Following our lunch, we went to the cellar door to complete a tasting.

Derwent Estate Wines: Wine Tasting

2022 Vintage Sparkling

A methode traditionnelle sparkling.  Balance of pinor noir and chardonnay grapes.  Initial aroma has a strong yeast, brioche bite.  On the palate, a sharp fresh apple, with a fresh finish.  Medium complexity, medium finish, and a fine mousse with an acidic bite.

2021 Riesling (Derwent Estate)

The stand out aroma here is of lavender.  Additional complement on the palate of citrus.  Bright, sharp acidity.  Some clear time on the lees leading to additional aroma and palate of toast and brioche.  Medium + complexity and medium + finish.  High acidity, dry.  This wine was very good.

2024 Pinot Gris

24 hours of skin contact.  Aroma of pear and some spiciness.  On the palate again some pear, spice, and some lovely umami.  This is likely from time on lees.  Dry, medium acidity.  The colour a light pink due to some contact with the skin.  Medium + complexity and medium + finish.  A very good pinot gris.

2020 Calcaire Chardonnay

This wine is known for the soil it is grown in – high subsoil calcium levels.  On the nose, grapefruit, gun flint and some cheesiness.  On the palate a lightness and sharpness from grapefruit and lemon zest.  Tart.  This wine undergoes 10 months on oak.  It lacks some complexity – less to no lee time.  Dry, medium acidity with medium alcohol.  Medium – complexity and medium – finish.  An acceptable chardonnay.

2023 Rose

Made from 100% pinot noir grapes with 2 hours of skin contact.  An aroma of green apple, strawberries.  On the palate, it feels somewhat complex, but is very sharp, with grapefruit and strawberries.  The tasting notes from the winery say cream, but, this is not apparent to me.  Dry, high acidity.  Medium – complexity and medium – finish.  An acceptable rose.

2022 Lime Kiln Pinot Noir

This pinot noir is very fruit forward.  Aromas of fresh raspberry and mulberry.  On the palate, cherry, mulberry, raspberry and some very vivid tanginess.  Subtle medium tannins.  Dry, medium alcohol.  Medium + complexity, and long finish.  Very good pinot noir that will likely age very well.

2022 Late Harvest Riesling

This is a medium sweet riesling.  The acidity is well balanced with the sugar.  It has a 9.5% abv, with 70 grams of residual sugar.  Aroma has some wonderful floral notes, citrus and apricots.  On the palate, citrus, and fresh fruitiness.  Medium + complexity, medium + finish.  A very good offering.

2023 Cane Cut Riesling

Yum, yum, yum.  Luscious. On the nose, honeysuckle, mandarin and tropical flavours.  On the palate more honeysuckle, and orange zest.  This dessert style riesling is exquisite.  Outstanding.

Derwent Estate Summary

All in all, a very good experience.  Highly recommend enjoying both the wine tasting and the restaurant.  

For more food and wine tasting recommendations, click on the links.

Enjoy!