2023 Lowestoft La Maison Pinot Noir

Lowestoft is one of Tasmania’s most exciting producers, home to some of the region’s oldest vines, planted in 1986 just outside Hobart. Since Kiwi-born Liam McElhinney took the reins in 2020, the estate’s reputation has soared—most notably with La Maison Pinot Noir, which took out the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 2023. With mature vines, precision winemaking and growing acclaim, Lowestoft is fast becoming a producer to watch in Tasmanian wine.
The 2023 La Maison is Lowestoft’s flagship Pinot Noir and a benchmark of Tasmanian winemaking. Crafted from whole bunches and matured in 500L French oak (25% new), it builds on the legacy of last year’s Jimmy Watson-winning release. Expect a layered nose of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry blossom, followed by a palate of dense red fruits, dried herbs and subtle spice, framed by fine tannins and elegant length.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews....
The 2023 La Maison Pinot Noir is complex and savory, textural and fine. The vineyard is positioned in an urban setting on the banks of the River Derwent overlooking the MONA museum, and the vines were close-planted (8,300 vines per hectare) in 1986 with an interesting trellis arrangement. The wine is layered with rose petals and cherries, fennel seeds and tapenade. It's lovely. The 2023 season was the last of three La Niña years, and here the wine shows ethereal delicacy, which works so nicely with the conditions of the season. Or perhaps because of the season. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2026-2036.
96 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Made with 100% whole cluster, pressed directly to 500L French oak puncheons (15% new) for 13 months. There's a lot going on here – all of it good. Bright red cherry, red plum and raspberry pip tones with hints of cocoa powder, pomegranate, Chinese barbecue joint, amaro, souk-like spice, leaf litter, struck flint, XO sauce, shiitake broth and earth. Pure and spicy red fruits, fine, powdery tannins and a mineral-laden acidity that seems to pull the flavours forward on the palate, finishing long, savoury and true with everything plumb and tickety boo. Just lovely. Drink 2024-2036.
96 Points
Dave Brookes - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion