2024 Lowestoft La Maison Pinot Noir 750ml

Overview

Lowestoft La Maison is a single-estate Pinot Noir produced from one of Tasmania’s historic cool-climate vineyards. Originally planted in 1986, the densely planted Lowestoft site produces highly sought-after fruit with aromatic clarity, savoury depth and fine structure.

The 2024 vintage combines approximately 60% whole bunches, wild fermentation and maturation in large-format French oak to create an expressive, detailed Pinot Noir with excellent ageing potential.

Winemaking

Hand-picked fruit was destemmed into 1.5-tonne open-top fermenters together with selected whole bunches, resulting in a final blend of approximately 60% whole bunches. Primary fermentation occurred naturally without additions.

Cap management consisted exclusively of twice-daily pump-overs to wet the cap and minimise over-extraction. The wine remained on skins for 21 days before being pressed directly into 500-litre French oak puncheons, of which 35% were new. It matured for 13 months before bottling with minimal intervention.

Producer Tasting Notes

Liam McElhinney, Lowestoft: Bright aromatics of dark cherry, red plum and raspberry pin are layered with pomegranate, cocoa powder, black tea and dried sage. Savoury notes of amaro, souk-like spice, struck flint and earthy minerality add depth and complexity.

The palate is concentrated yet finely detailed, with vibrant red fruit framed by silky, powdery tannins and mineral-driven acidity. Elegant, expressive and beautifully composed, it finishes long, savoury and persistent.

Critic Reviews

97+ Points – Dave Brooks, Halliday Wine Companion
Reviewed March 2026
Mid-ruby with finely honed aromas of dark and red plum and cherries, wild strawberry and raspberry coulis with hints of fine, souk-like spice, crushed minerals, an expression of orange oil, citrus blossom, amaro, shiitake broth, charcuterie, judicious nutty oak, dried citrus rind and a wisp of undergrowth … A great release from a superb vintage.

95 Points – Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
Tasted March 2026
The 2024 La Maison Pinot Noir leads with waxy white flowers, sweet tobacco and red cherry notes. The wine has an exotic patchouli, raspberry, red apple character. The tannins are one of the features by which this wine is defined. The tannic load borders on immense, yet it serves to add gravitas and impact to the wine.

91 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards
Tasted January 2026

Awards

• Gold Medal: International Wine Challenge 2026
• Gold Medal: National Wine Show of Australia 2026
• Silver Medal: Melbourne Royal Wine Show 2025

Specifications

• Vintage: 2024
• Producer: Lowestoft
• Owner: Fogarty Wine Group
• Wine: La Maison
• Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyard: Lowestoft Estate
• Original Planting: 1986
• Region: Tasmania
• Country: Australia
• Whole Bunch: Approximately 60%
• Skin Contact: 21 days
• Fermentation: Wild fermentation without additions
• Maturation: 13 months in 500-litre French oak puncheons, 35% new
• Alcohol: 14%
• Total Acidity: 5.6g/L
• pH: 3.6

La Maison is produced solely from the small, densely planted Lowestoft vineyard, which has some of the oldest vines in Tasmania. Awarded the Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2023 and recognised at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards 2021 and the National Wine Show 2022 as Australia’s best Pinot Noir, this wine reflects the true provenance of Lowestoft wines; it is luxurious, iconic and sought after.

Country: Australia
Region: Tasmania

Winemaking    
Pristine Pinot Noir from the famed Lowestoft Vineyard was hand picked and fermented in 1T open top fermenters, with up to 50% whole bunch inclusion. Gently hand plunged as required throughout fermentation, with gentle pressing to tank post MLF, followed by 10 months maturation in large format French oak (25% new) before careful blending and bottling with minimal additions.

Color       
Vivid and rich deep crimson.

Aroma    
Powerfully fragrant with notes of dark cherry, black tea, dried sage, and amaro.

Palate    
Enticing red fruits embrace a finely structured core of graphite and bergamot tea, accompanied by lasting hints of dried herbs, orange peel, and cherry. The palate is graced by elegant tannins from whole bunch fermentation and subtle oak spice, complemented by lively acidity that adds sophistication and balance.

Cellaring      
Will benefit from meticulous cellaring for seven to ten years.

"The 2023 La Maison Pinot Noir offers a complex nose of raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry blossom, with a palate of densely structured red fruits. Subtle notes of dried herbs, aniseed, and oak spice add depth and intrigue, while fine whole-bunch tannins lend the wine a lifted, elegant finish with remarkable poise and length" - Liam McElhinney, Winemaker

"Pinot noir from the close-planted vines (8300 per hectare) at Lowestoft planted in 1986; matured in French oak (35% new) for 10 months. Pure red plum and dark cherry fruits strut their stuff here with hints of five-spice, sous bois, dried raspberry, cranberry, black tea and vanilla, with light roast game further in the distance. Savoury and true with excellent fruit depth and purity, chalky tannins providing support. I'd expect this to cellar admirably."  - 96 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 2023