The Stoney Vineyard in the Coal River Valley is one of Tasmania's gems - a little hot spot where cabernet sauvignon and other Bordeaux grape varieties can be ripened on a regular basis. The 2015 vintage was a small one - most of the fruit went into the Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon - so it will pay not to dilly dally if you want some of this. Stoney Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is an assemblage of Bordeaux varieties including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. It is crafted in small batches employing traditional techniques including open-vat fermentation, regular racking and hand plunging. It is matured in seasoned French oak barriques for 24 months before being released. This vintage is brilliantly textural with impressive Bordelais earthiness and savoury funk. Founder Peter Althaus has now sold out to Moorilla, so Conor van der Reest will be responsible for future vintages. Great value for $38.
I'm a little late to the party with this one, but it is yet another stellar example of the winemaking skills of Claudio Radenti at Freycinet on Tasmania's East Coast. This is definitely Burgundian in style with 100% barrel ferment, mainly older French casks and periodic lees stiring. The end result is a wine of complexity without being overtly woody. There is plenty of fresh citrusy, peachy fruit here, allied to grapefruit crispness and a long, intense finish. Seriously classy and an excellent match for poultry and pork dishes, or perhaps a veal marsala. This is so good - and impeccably balanced - that it is under priced, if anything. A bargain at $38. www.freycinetvineyard.com.au
Resolution Vineyard is one of the most southerly in Tasmania, and one of the smallest, producing only tiny quantities of pinot noir. Located at Middleton in the d'Entrecasteaux Channel, it is named for Captain James Cook's vessel HMS Resolution, which explored the Southern Ocean that the vineyard overlooks back in 1777. This is a sturdy example of Tasmanian pinot with savoury and sour cherry flavours and savoury overtones with plenty of length. There's a lot palate interest here and this one should cellar well. $30. http://resolutionvineyard.com.au
