Pooley Wines was established in 1985 when the late Denis and Margaret Pooley planted ten rows of Riesling and seven rows of Pinot Noir on their 16-hectare farm at Cooinda Vale in the Coal River Valley in southern Tasmania. Today, after more than 20 years of producing premium quality cool-climate wines, and having been awarded numerous trophies and medals at prestigious wine shows, the Pooley family has established a second vineyard in the Coal River Valley at Richmond. Margaret Pooley remained the chief executive of Cooinda Vale Vineyard until well into her nineties. She was a hardy Scot and could be found tending vines during the coldest Tasmanian winters.

Pinot noir from the Butcher's Hill vineyard in Richmond, Coal River Valley, 20% whole bunch, 11 months' maturation in French oak, 35% new. Bright, high-toned red cherry, cranberry and red plum fruits with underlying hints of wildflowers, cherry clafoutis, crushed rock, cocoa powder, charcuterie, light amaro tones and earth. Savoury and stony in its demeanour yet sporting a crystalline mineral focus and drive, finishing taut and bursting with pinosity. Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $80.00; Drink by: 2036; Rating: 96 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion