Boomer Creek 2019 Rosé

Boomer Creek, a relatively new producer on Tasmania's east coast at Little Swanport, has impressed with recent releases - and has just opened a spectacular cellar door. First settled in the early 1800s, the family property derives its name from the local wildlife, with a ‘boomer’ being a large male kangaroo. In addition to the vineyard there are also fine wool Merino sheep, Hampshire sheep for the lamb market and stud classic and miniature Herefords, along with an olive grove. The vineyard was planted in 2012 and 2013 and this dry rosé, made from pinot noir grapes, is a standout with pale cherry and strawberry fruit notes and bright acidity on the finish. The perfect picnic wine, pair with tuna dishes, or delicious enjoyed on its own. $28. www.boomercreekvineyard.com.au.

Domaine A 2017 Lady A Sauvignon Blanc

Here's a wine for aficionados. While most sauvignon blancs are released young, this hits the market at three years of age. And while most savvy blancs are all about the fruit and acid, this wine sells itself with its crunch and beguiling textural characters on the palate. Think a classic Bordeaux blanc: this estate-grown wine makes a virtue of its neutral flavours, defining it as a delightful dinner party choice. Think purity and elegance, with quality French oak adding those textural elements. It is fermented in 100% new French oak barriques, matured on lees for 12 months and then rested in the cellar until deemed ready for release. Something special. $66. https://domaine-a.com.au/

Hurly Burly 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

This is one of only a handful of cabernet sauvignons made in Tasmania, where the cool weather can make the grape hard to ripen. The fruit comes a small microclimate on the state's East Coast and the end result is a very pleasant surprise; a cabernet with plenty of intensity and length in the style of left bank Bordeaux. You won't miss the label, which showcases the bug-eating guinea fowls found in many Tasmanian vineyards. Hurly Burly can often be found at Hobart Twilight Market. $35. www.hurlyburlywines.com.au 

Stoney Rise 2020 Gruner Veltliner

 

The Austrian grape variety gruner veltliner works well in cooler climates but Joe Holyman at Stoney Rise in the Tamar Valley was the first Tasmanian producer to make it commercially. As this new release illustrates - gruner is a terrific aromatic alternative to riesling or sauvignon blanc. This is delightfully fresh and enticing with floral notes, ripe pear and tropical notes along with some wisps of sea salt and crisp minerality. Lees stirring has added a cashew nutty element and the wine is unfined and unfiltered. Made entirely from estate grown fruit, this is well worth a look when you feel like trying something different. A super summer day picnic wine. $32. www.stoneyrise.com.