Tolpuddle Vineyard 2020 Pinot Noir

 

Tolpuddle Vineyard was established in 1988 and has gone from strength to strength over the past decade since being sold to the team behind Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills. The vineyard is just outside Richmond in the Coal River Valley has light silica soil over sandstone that produce wines of style and elegance. This is undoubtedly one of Tasmania's finest pinots - and sells out soon after release. It is aromatic, medium bodied with savoury and spice notes and impeccable length. Vigorous vineyard work results in a wine of vigour. $95. www.tolpuddlevineyard.com/

Ponting 2020 Mowbray Boy Pinot Noir

 

To be brutally honest, I did not have high hopes for this wine. Ricky Ponting is well-known for his cricketing feats, less so for his knowledge of viticulture, while winemaker Ben Riggs usually concentrates his efforts on warm-climate grapes like shiraz. I'm very happy to have been proved wrong. This is a very nifty young Tamar Valley pinot noir made from fruit grown a few sixes away from where Ponting grew up in the Launceston suburb of Mowbray. The duo have come up trumps. very good drinking: vibrant, crunchy and varietal. $36. https://pontingwines.com.au/   

Derwent Estate 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Tasmania is not best known for its sauvignon blancs but the grape variety can shine when planted in the right spots. Derwent Estate is a spectacular site overlooking the River Derwent north of Hobart. It produces top-quality fruit, much of which has been sold in the past the big producers. This is the perfect choice for spring wine enjoyment - fresh, aromatic and vibrant with ripe tropical fruit flavours like kiwifruit and pineapple to the fore. Crisp, dry and zingy and a good match with shellfish, pan-fried flathead or simply on the back deck after a tough day. Enjoy in its youth; lightly chilled $35. www.derwentestate.com.au/