Chatto 2019 Marion's Pinot Noir

 

Jim Chatto is the man with the Midas touch. Even when things go horribly wrong, he is still able to produce outstanding wines. The Marion's Pinot Noir is a one-off release after smoke from bushfires wiped out the 2019 vintage in his Huon Valley vineyard. Chatto was still able to produce three excellent pinots including this one from Marion's Vineyard, in the Tamar Valley, just north of Launceston. This is in the Central Otago spectrum, powerful but with its own savoury structural subtleties. It should cellar brilliantly - but with only 230 cases made it might pay to move quickly. $65. www.chattowines.com/

Gala Estate 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Gala Estate is the second-oldest family business in Tasmania, having transitioned from farming to wine production. The wines are on a very fast upward rise. This is a delicious aromatic wine for summer enjoyment with gooseberry and passionfruit flavours to the fore and minimal herbal notes. Fresh and clean with a brisk acid finish this would pair well with fresh crayfish, scallops or salads. $32. www.galaestate.com.au/

Wolfe At The Door 2020 RGG

 

The Wolfe at the Door range from Wellington & Wolfe duo Hugh McCullough and Natalie Fryar comprises fun, affordable blends. Billed as "natural and no fuss" the blends will change each year, depending on the fruit, the season, and the batches. This is a bright, crunchy wine with colourful packaging that's perfect for summer quaffing. This blend comprises iesling, pinot gris and gewürztraminer that is unfined, unfiltered and made with minimal so2. Dry, textural and dangerously drinkable. $25. https://wellingtonwolfe.com/

Hughes & Hughes 2020 Dunkel Spritz

 

Here's a delicious pet nat for chilled summer enjoyment. The Mewstone vineyards are in the south of the state but the fruit for this Hughes & Hughes offering comes from dornfelder grapes grown at White Rock vineyard in the state's north-west, picked at 11 baume and then whole-bunch pressed. Bottled during primary ferment to capture the bubbles; unfined and unfiltered. Low in alcohol at 11.9% and a deliciously refreshing choice for enjoying on the back verandah on a summer evening. It is vibrantly aromatic with berry fruit flavours, gentle fizz and subtle hits of sourness. $35. https://mewstonewines.com.au/hughes-and-hughes-wine-brand