2025 Stargazer Tupelo

Founded by winemaker Samantha Connew, Stargazer has become one of Tasmania's most compelling small producers, crafting wines of precision and quiet intensity from the Coal River and Derwent Valleys. Whether Riesling, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, each release reflects a meticulous, hands-off approach and a focus on texture, energy and site expression. For many, Stargazer marks the sweet spot between refinement and individuality in modern Tasmanian wine.

The 2025 Tupelo wine is crafted from a harmonious blend comprising 39% Pinot Gris, 30% Pinot Blanc, and 24% Gewürztraminer, 7% Riesling. This unique composition pays homage to the renowned Alsatian 'Gentil' style by combining the full-bodied and textured characteristics of Pinot Gris, the lively vibrancy of Pinot Blanc, the aromatic spiciness of Gewürztraminer, and culminating in the finesse and acidic structure of Riesling. The grapes are all meticulously handpicked and destemmed and undergo approximately eight hours of skin contact before being gently pressed and then aged in seasoned oak barrels for a wild fermentation process. Gewurztraminer, on the other hand, lingers on the skins for a slightly longer period of two days before fermentation. Each varietal is then left to rest on lees for two months, without any sulphur before being blended and bottled.

Other Reviews....
The 2025 Tupelo is composed of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Riesling, a blend that typifies Tasmania's capacity to combine complexity with eminent drinkability. After tasting hundreds of wines in Tasmania in January, it became clear to me that Pinot Gris grows very well here, and it lends itself to a variety of blends and styles, offering us, the drinkers, a bright and easy-drinking option. To me, it is the commercial proposition of Tasmania, and never has Pinot Gris in Australia looked so good as it does down here, off the mainland. Here, the wine leads with rose petals, white peach, green apple, layers of brine and pith, nashi pear and white flowers. It's balanced, it's fresh, it's textural and it's classy. I love it. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2026-2036.
95 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Sam Connew's 'Tupelo' is consistently one of my favourite wines in her vinous quiver. You see, it's a blend of pinot gris, riesling, gewürztraminer and pinot blanc and it's a case of the whole being more that the sum of its parts. It's slinky and textural, with characters of poached pear, wildflowers, honeysuckle, crushed stone, clover, iced peach tea, ozone and almond paste. It is complex and wildly easy to drink at the same time ... no mean feat and of course, being Taswegian, there is minerally energy to burn. It's a ripper. Drink 2025-2030.
95 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Wine Companion