Kate Hill 2012 Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir

 

Talented Kate Hill sourced the fruit for this very agreeable sparkling wine from vineyards in the Coal and Huon valleys in the far south of Tasmania. The 2012 vintage delivered low yields and generous natural acidity and while this wine has spent close to eight years on lees for added complexity it retains youthful perkiness and fresh citrus fruit flavours along with some yeasty creaminess on the finish. Complex and rewarding. $47. www.katehillwines.com.au

Moores Hill 2020 Pinot Rosé

 

As the weather gets warmer the more we need savoury but refreshing rosés like this new release from Moores Hill in the Tamar Valley. Family-owned Moores Hill is Tasmania's first 100% solar powered winery and this is made from pinot noir, a grape that thrives on the Apple Isle. Think freshly cut watermelon and strawberries and cream flavours on a dry palate with driving, crisp acidity. This needs to be chilled to be seen at its best and was a very good partner for spicy chicken wings. $30. www.mooreshill.com.au 

Bay of Fires 2019 Pinot Noir

 

Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania's most reliable premium producers, sourcing fruit from some of the state's finest vineyards. This 20th-vintage release may be a little young for aficionados, but it already stands out as a high-quality cool-climate pinot noir. The fruit for this vintage was sourced from the warmer East Coast, which makes it more approachable with red strawberry berry fruit flavours to the fore along with some soft spice. There is plenty of length and weight here, along with immediate drinkability. Good work from Penny Jones and team. $62. www.bayoffireswines.com.au.  

Craigie Knowe 2019 Cabernet Merlot

 

The East Coast of Tasmania is among the warmer regions of the island state and vineyards here are able to get ripe red varieties that might struggle elsewhere on the island. Craigie Knowe is a proven performer with vines that were planted over 40 years ago. This is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot that offers extremely good drinking and surprising intensity. It has plenty of flavour and structure but is laid-back and easy to enjoy. Hand plunged twice daily for nine days, the wine was then transferred to French oak barriques and matured in barrel for 12 months prior to blending and finishing for bottling. Dark fruits, vanilla and herbs and spices come together beautifully. $35. www.craigieknowe.com.au/