Moores Hill 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Solar-powered Moores Hill is a popular stop-off for anyone visiting the Tamar Valley with a cellar door that has great vineyard views and wines that offer good value for money. This is one of the rare pinots from Tasmania that sells for under $40. Pinot noir is a fickle, demanding grape and most Tasmanian producers are extremely small scale operations. This is a classic cool-climate pinot with cherry and wild strawberry aromas and flavours to the fore with just a hint of pepper/spice. Soft, easy drinking is on offer here with 30% new French oak, gentle plunging, 12 months maturation and vegan fining completing the package. Undemanding and serious fun. $40. https://www.mooreshill.com.au/

Kate Hill 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

This is a sauvignon blanc for people who might not be fans of the variety. I occasionally help out at Kate Hill's cellar door and find it appeals to a lot of folk who initially say: "I'll pass on the sauvignon blanc". With definite tropical fruit notes rather than green/herbaceous characters, it is a lovely wine for enjoying on the porch after work, or with a late-season picnic. The wine spent six months in aged oak barrels, so could legitimately be labelled as fumé blanc. Time in bottle has given it a bright but rounded finish. One of only a few savvy blancs in Tasmania and worth checking out. Serve well chilled. $33. www.katehillwines.com.au

Frogmore Creek NV Ruby Pinot Noir

 

Given it is consistently the coolest wine growing region in Australia, Tasmania is not noted for its fortified wines. It is, in fact, surprising that a winter warmer like this exists at all. Winemakers Alain Rousseau and John Bown have crafted a drink that is ideal for enjoying in front of the fire on a cold Tasmanian winter evening. With 114 grams of residual sugar, this has Christmas cake and toffee notes. 100% pinot was fortified with premium brandy spirit and enjoyed extended barrel maturation using the Solera system over a 10-year period. $40 for 500ml.

Stargazer 2023 Riesling

 

Sam Connew's wine journey has taken her from New Zealand to McLaren Vale, the Hunter Valley and now Tasmania, where she is crafting outstanding wines from both her Coal River estate vineyard and some grower fruit. The 2023 vintage was a difficult one but several Stargazer releases shine, including this one, made from a grape that can produce outstanding wines in Tasmania but is often overshadowed by chardonnay and pinot noir. This single-vineyard release from Tea Tree has some apple and Asian fruit characters alongside the classic citrus notes and finishes with lively acidity and freshness and a hint of fruit sweetness. Wild ferment adds a textural element and there is plenty of length here. Pair with Thai or Korean dishes. $36. https://www.stargazerwine.com.au/

Chartley Estate 2023 Chardonnay

 

Chartley Estate is a small family-owned vineyard on the west bank of the Tamar River that is producing fruit of a very high quality. The talented Peter Dredge is on board as consultant winemaker, ensuring the wines are full of interest. The chardonnays, in particular, tend to sell out quick smart, and that is no surprise. This is medium-bodied and immediately approachable with French oak playing a minor support role on a palate where white stone fruit flavours are the driving force. There's plenty of length here, excellent drive and lots of enjoyment. Look for it in retail as supplies are low. $40. https://chartleyestatevineyard.com.au/ 

Josef Chromy 2023 Pinot Gris

 

I tried this a few months ago and enjoyed it. Tried it again at a function earlier this month and it had really come together as a deliciously cohesive drink that sits midway between pinot gris and pinot grigio stylistically. It proved an excellent match with finger food on a sunny day. Winemaker Ockie Myburgh has conjured up a cool-climate white with an edgy vivacity that has notes of stone fruit, green apple and subtle spices. It finishes fresh and clean and is definitely best enjoyed chilled. A terrific midweek choice. The Chromy cellar door and restaurant at Relbia, just down the road from Launceston Airport, is also well worth a visit. $36. https://josefchromy.com.au/ 

Frogmore Creek 2023 Chardonnay

French-born Frogmore Creek winemaker Alain Rousseau has a natural affinity with the chardonnay grape, as is evidenced by his excellent new release I tasted through distributors Red & White. Made from chardonnay sustainably grown in the cool Coal River Valley, this spent 10 months in oak - no malo - and was released unfined to retain maximum character. This has some lovely, lively fresh white stone fruit flavours allied to some hazelnut characters and bright and breezy natural acid. It made a very amiable partner for a grilled pork chop. Terrific value. $38. https://www.frogmorecreek.com.au/