2020 Tasmania Chardonnay, Dawson James

• Style: Cool-climate, off-dry Chardonnay
• Taste: Nectarine, citrus, creamy oak with mineral precision
• Food: Poultry, shellfish, white fish, oily fish, pasta & risotto
• Occasion: Date night, gifting
• Serve: Chilled, 10–12°C

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Nectarine and lemon pith open to bright citrus florals and a whisper of pastry oak. The texture is creamy yet structured, driven by mouth-watering acidity that keeps you reaching for the glass. This is restrained, balanced Chardonnay—nothing showy, everything precise. The 2020 vintage's cooler growing season held alcohol to 12.5%, letting mineral precision take centre stage alongside natural fermentation and patient oak integration.

The Winery — Dawson James

Peter Dawson and Tim James met at Hardy & Sons in 1976 and spent decades learning winemaking before establishing their Tasmanian operation. Their collective expertise spans 80 vintages. Meadowbank Vineyard, planted around 60 kilometres northwest of Hobart, sits in the Derwent Valley on sandy loams, structured clays and sandstone—soils that naturally limit vine vigour and deliver perfect balance between fruit intensity and acidity. Single-bunch-per-shoot discipline and sub-six-tonne yields show in every sip. Organic farming and screwcap closure complete their commitment to quality and restraint.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This is the kind of Chardonnay that tastes like somewhere: Tasmania's cool maritime climate, the precision of old-school winemaking, and the discipline of a single vineyard. Serve chilled (10–12°C) alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken with brown butter, or seafood. It rewards the same patience and skill you'll find in your glass. Whether you're exploring our Australia collection or planning a quiet meal with good food, this 97-point Decanter winner sits among the finest regional expressions we've found—a thoughtful choice for date night or gifting to someone who understands wine.