Thursday 27 July 2023

Delamere Vineyard 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Delamere duo Fran Austin and Shane Holloway are nowadays concentrating a lot of their efforts on a stellar range of sparkling wines, but their table wines are also well worth sampling with this new-release pinot noir a case in point. This is unmistakeably cool-climate pinot from the Pipers River region in the north of Tasmania, with more than a nod to the elegant pinots of Burgundy. It is taut and restrained and designed to be enjoyed with food, preferably roast duck, and would certainly reward patience if you opt to cellar it. This was hand-picked, fermented in open-topped vessels and matured in Burgundian oak. Think red fruits, tight structure and the tiniest hints of spice. Seriously good and destined to get better. $70. www.delamerevineyards.com.au         

Thursday 20 July 2023

Kreglinger 2018 Rosé

 

Kreglinger is the umbrella company of leading Tasmanian wine brand Pipers Brook. It is also the brand name used for the company's premium sparkling wines made from grapes grown close to the north coast of Tasmania. Bright mousse with rose petal and raspberry notes, along with some savoury elements on the palate, create a drink that is full of interest. It is made from pinot noir from a single site and offers more depth than a lot of bubblies. This could be an aperitif, but has the structure and complexity to pair with poultry and white meat dishes. There is a lot of drinking pleasure here. $75. www.kreglingerwineestates.com.  

Thursday 13 July 2023

Stoney Vineyard 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Stoney Vineyard is part of the Domaine A operation in the Coal River Valley that is now owned and operated by David Walsh and his Moorilla team led by winemaker Conor van der Reest. This is a lovely new release with an eye-catching label. It is full of youthful vivacity and designed for immediate enjoyment. This is the first Stoney Vineyard pinot made entirely from estate fruit sourced from young vines. It is designed to provide a brighter, fruitier and less spicy style.. The palate offers plenty of varietal black and red fruit flavours, along with a perky minerality that reflects the site. Soft tannins and bright acid on the finish. Extremely good value for $39https://domaine-a.com.au/shop/stoney-vineyard/   

Thursday 6 July 2023

Stoney Rise 2022 lutruwita Chardonnay

 

The newest releases from Joe Holyman are very much on target and this has to be one of the best-value Tasmanian chardonnays around. Tasted blind you might think it comes from Saint Véran or Pouilly Fuissé rather than Gravelly Beach in the Tamar Valley. It is a very sophisticated, if still youthful, little package. Think zingy melon and grapefruit flavours, some lemon zest, subtle oak and immediate pleasure. Hints of cashew nut notes and flinty minerality are part of the package. Joe recommends enjoying with "speed metal and friends", whereas I would go with roast pork and glamazons. Different strokes. The retail price on the website is $32 - which is remarkably cheap. Snap some up before they change their minds. https://www.stoneyrise.com/