I was all set to write about the wonderfully zesty 2018 Freycinet Vineyard Riesling when this popped up; a mature, meticulously-crafted red blend that demonstrates how good cabernet can be when planted in the right sites in cool-climate Tasmania. Winemaker Claudio Radenti is right on target here with a wine made from 32-years-old estate vines on Tasmania's east coast. With a breakdown of 74% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 19% merlot, this is very Left Bank Bordeaux-like in style with blackcurrant and fresh herb notes in harmony with smoky French oak. Elegant and immediately accessible, it is very stylish and highly recommended. Pair with lamb roast, or an aged Cheddar cheese. I scored this 94/100 and would recommend buying a half dozen, drinking a couple now and putting the rest away for a year or two. $38 CD. www.freycinetvineyard.com.au.
This unusual blend of riesling and gewurztraminer might not appeal to all wine drinkers but it will certainly reward those with a sense of adventure. The latest release from Tamar Valley wunderkind Ricky Evans is all about texture. He has taken a combination of barrel-fermented and stainless-steel fermented riesling left on lees for three months and then blended that with 7.5% gewurztraminer fermented on skins. The end result is a meaty, yeasty, crisp and fresh white wine of considerable palate interest. Evans describes his wines as being made "in small parcels with big love". Hard to find but try Drink & Co. in Hobart. $28. www.tttwine.com.au
A delightfully delicious chardonnay from Nick Glaetzer at Glaetzer-Dixon Family Winemakers, made using quality fruit from the Upper Derwent Valley. There is something inherently Macon-like here in just the second release of a wine that is full of cool-climate chic. Tank-fermented and then aged on lees for four months, this has drinkability plus with crispness combined with impressive textural and mineral elements. You'll find it at the Glaeztzer-Dixon urban winery/cellar door on the fringes of downtown Hobart. $30. www.gdfwinemakemakers.com.
