Jim Chatto is recognised as having one of the very best palates in Australia, and has proved to be an outstanding winemaker. He and wife Daisy long wanted to get a small Tasmanian pinot business up and running, but having moved to the Hunter Valley in 2000, it took six years to find a site that satisfied all of the criteria Jim considers ideal. It is a warm, well drained site in one of the coolest parts of Tasmania, looking out over Glaziers Bay. 

Intrigue is blended from all 8 clones on Isle Vineyard. Complex mix of dark cherry/blue fruits, forest floor and herbal spice nicely integrated. Medium length with fine tannins and balanced acidity.

Deep-ish, youthful purple colour; smoky reduction is the first aroma, the palate very intense, medium bodied and attractively flavoured with dark cherry, anise/spice flavours and a big finish of licorice and black cherry. A powerhouse of a pinot. Concentration and poise aplenty. Impressive wine. (Made from all 8 clones grown on the Chatto Isle vineyard, Huon Valley). Date: July 2025; Alcohol: 13.3%; Drink: 2025-2039; Rating: 97 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review 

I muttered an audible 'Oof!' when I popped this wine to my nose. I'm a sucker for that flint-struck reduction in a pinot noir, especially when it so comfortably melds with a fruit array this pure. First up, the colour is a deeper ruby here, and the fruit tone's a little darker – wild strawberry, dark cherry and dried cranberry with underlying hints of souk-like spice, pomegranate, sour cherries, amaro, wildflowers, pastis, Chinese barbecue shop, crushed stone, sous bois, nicely judged, toasty oak and earth. The palate is high fidelity and the pure fruit unfurls with detail and a stony composure. The tannins are kinetic, silty and fine and there's a minerally cadence that sails the wine along truly. Very impressive stuff. Date: Aug 2025; Alcohol: 13.3%; Price: $80.00; Drink by: 2040; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion