Stargazer

Tasmania is one of the key emerging regions of the Australian wine landscape. Stargazer is a relatively recent addition to this landscape which is owned and run by Samantha Connew. The winery pays tribute to Abel Tasman, who as the first European explorer and navigator to sight Tasmania, must have spent a fair amount of time gazing towards the heavens.

Samantha’s first vintage was in Oregon, where she became captivated by Pinot Noir. So it seems only fitting that after an intervening period of over fifteen years, much spent as Chief winemaker at Wirra Wirra from McLaren Vale, that Samantha has ended up in Tasmania making Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. In Samantha’s words “The opportunity to work with pristine fruit to craft the wines that I am passionate about in an environment of extraordinary beauty is really all I have ever wanted to do as a winemaker”

Stargazer is located in the Tea Tree subregion at the northern end of the Coal River Valley. The original vineyard was planted with half and half Riesling and Pinot Noir. Samantha took over the property in 2016. She expanded the vineyard (now called Palisander) to include an additional two hectares of vines. This was planted with more Pinot Noir and Riesling along with some Chardonnay. Samantha has been able to harness all her years of experience to craft wines of purity and balance. So much so that these premium wines are already receiving amazing reviews. And the Stargazer Pinot Noir is no exception!

Accolades & Awards

98 points – Halliday Wine Companion

James Halliday Top 100

25% whole bunches with the remainder destemmed whole berries. Cold soaked for 3 days, wild-yeast ferment. Racked off gross lees to French oak puncheons, 22% new. Matured 10 months on fine lees. The seductive bouquet exudes dried rose petals, spices and some darker foresty notes underneath. The intense palate is all class, blending purity, precision and power. There’s a freshness to the mouthfeel that carries through to the long finish and lingering aftertaste.