Tolpuddle Vineyard was established in 1988 and it took its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs: English convicts transported to Tasmania for forming an agricultural union. The leader of the Martyrs, George Loveless, served some of his sentence working on a property near Richmond, part of which is now Tolpuddle Vineyard. The vineyard is planted with mature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, facing north-east, and sloping gently up from Back Tea Tree Road. The soil is light silica over sandstone and of moderate vigour, ensuring well-balanced vines producing grapes of great flavour and intensity. 

Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW purchased the vineyard in 2011 and are fully committed to seeing Tolpuddle Vineyard recognised as one of Australia’s great single vineyards.

This is a wonderfully expressive pinot noir from one of Tasmania's finest sites. 50% whole bunches in '25, and those filigreed amaro and dried spice elements are woven beautifully into the wine. The fruit base is pure dark cherry, damson plum and wild strawberry fruits, with souk-like spice, dried meats, Chinese barbecue shop, shiitake broth, dried citrus rind, meadow flowers and layers of spice and rocky nuance. It's an immediately attractive wine, with blossoming flavours kept in check by fine, sinewy tannins, taut, mineral-laden acidity and a long draw of flavour on the finish, the wine sailing gracefully and true throughout. Date: Sept 2026; Alcohol: 13.5%; Drink by: 2038; Rating: 96+ Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion