The Art of the Vine
Clones
Three Capes Vineyard provides premium small batch Pinot Noir selections from 23 clones and several different soils on this exceptional site - each an expression of distinct terroir.
Vintages differ each season depending upon the quantity of the estate grown grapes.
Clones grown on the estate include Abel, (sourced from Jimmy Watson winner Yabby Lake), MV6 Tickleback selection (sourced from Jimmy Watson winner Meadowbank) , 777, 667, 115 and H7v15. These clones were planted at Richard Smart's suggestion on the tough upper slopes with dolerite extrusions peeping through the black basaltic soils. Richard Smart developed 13 variants of a clone called the Smart Clone. These clones are unique, the only ones in existence in the world. The Smart Clones were planted in 2015.
EMERITUS
We are pleased to announce the first vintage made entirely from 11 of the 13 Smart clones. This is a very special moment for us as Richard Smart was instrumental in helping us turn our dream into a reality with his advice and wisdom. He was so taken by our site that he donated his research - his 13 Smart clones - to us. These clones are unique to Three Capes Vineyard and we cherish his legacy. Sadly, he passed away last year after a long battle with cancer before we could show off his wine to him. Given that there is no greater name in Australian and New Zealand viticulture we have named this 2026 vintage offering EMERITUS in his honour. Quantity will be extremely limited (< 200 bottles)and will be allocated as a preorder on a first come first serve basis. (Wine club members only)
SIRENE
The Calera clone made famous by American Josh Jensen (and rumoured to be vine material souvenired whilst working his 3 vintages at Domaine de la Romanee Conti) is also planted in the lower vineyard. It shows the typical small bunches and tiny blue-black berries seen in DRC.
After two wonderful vintages incorporating the Calera (DRC) clone with our other clones we have finally produced a standalone batch from this particular grape. This is a very Burgundian style wine. Its extraordinarily small berries make a high skin to juice ratio and therefore intense and complex flavours. We purposely restrict our yields- like the DRC we seek to emulate - a single bottle requires bunches from 3 vines.
This clone loves our site and has shown outstanding results in cultivation. Three Capes Vineyard is the only Tasmanian source of this exceptional grape.
Once again the 2026 vintage produced small quantities(< 600 bottles) and will be allocated as preorders on a first come first served basis.
As the wind blows from the ocean over this vineyard it plays a siren song like panpipes over the hollow trellis posts - a beautiful and mesmerizing sound. As though the sea is calling the vines back to their native France. In recognition of this seduction we have called this wine SIRENE. Be seduced. Once again small quantities as pre orders on a first come first served basis (wine club members only).
Soil
Our upper vineyard is composed of black basaltic soil derived from Jurassic dolerite. Extrusions of basalt in lava fingers and plates make this a tough soil for young vines but with time and struggle they have tapped into its goodness. This soil holds the majority of our clones including the 13 Smart clones - planted on this site on the advice of Richard Smart.
Our lower vineyard (only 300 m away) features deep red volcanic soil derived from basalt, which is overlaid on rich blue marl, (similar to the vineyard soils around Mt Etna) and calcium rich mudstone providing exceptional drainage and mineral complexity. This vineyard feeds our Kalera clone exclusively. The soils combination of iron rich basalt and calcium rich mudstone mimics these elusory elements of the terroir of Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Our vineyards are fertilised by our Toulouse geese and Dorper sheep providing both weed control and organic fertiliser. Between our vineyard rows we have left wildflowers and bulbs to grow ensuring a diverse biome and strong healthy soil for future generations.
Harvest
Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring the delicate balance of forest floor, berry, and violet notes. Obsessional table sorting ensures that only perfect berries make it to our winemaker.
Climate
Protected by the cooling ocean zephyrs of Norfolk Bay, preserving the cool-climate character of our estate. Diurnal variation in temperature is the key to imbuing our grapes with the complexity required of great Pinot Noir. Our northern facing slopes gain warmth from long sunlight hours, and black basaltic plates but quickly drain this heat away as night falls and cool air descends from our extinct volcano overlooking the vineyard. This is a windy site with predictable afternoon sea breezes (the "Doctor") blowing from the north. As a result, disease pressures are much reduced, and we aim for minimal intervention with organic sprays. We grow our grapes in a semi-arid region - only receiving 400-450 mm of rain annually. Fortunately, we have a Jurassic aquifer under our farm and are able to water our vines when needed. This arid climate reduces yields naturally and allows us to restrict irrigation close to harvest and thus concentrate flavours in the ripening berries.