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About L’appel Wines
L’appel Wines began in 2021, borne out of chance encounters and shared wine-lovers’ conversations from a road trip through Oregon — “l’appel” meaning “the calling.” Founded by vigneron Bart Johnston (and collaborator Jess Nuel), the project draws on time spent working in cool-climate vineyards across Tasmania (as well as earlier experience in Mornington Peninsula and overseas).Rather than striving for volume, the emphasis is on small-batch production, sourcing fruit from select vineyards in Tasmania’s Coal Valley and Huon Valley — and expressing terroir with minimal intervention.
The wines of L’appel are characterised by their freshness, clarity and sense of place — especially cool-climate Pinot Noirs. For example, their “RDJ” Pinot Noir from Coal Valley is described as succulent and red-fruited with spice, a hint of earthiness, graphite-tinged tannins, and a refined, well-balanced finish. Beyond Pinot, the label also experiments with alternative varieties when conditions suit, reflecting an adventurous yet grounded philosophy guided by “what the vineyard gives.” In short: L’appel Wines offers modest-scale, thoughtfully crafted Tasmanian wines that combine drinkability, terroir expression, and a sense of individuality.
