Invercarron 2023 Rosé

 

Invercarron may be one of the newer names on the Tasmanian wine map, but there is over 200 years of history behind the family project. The Jones family has been farming in the Jordan Valley, north of Hobart, since 1818. They planted vines on top of a hill overlooking the Jordan River in 2017 and are already being rewarded with some quality fruit. This rosé is made from 100% estate pinot noir fruit and is vinified at Ghost Rock in the north of the state, it is partially oak fermented in older barrels (40%) and lees stirred. It is aromatic with seductive strawberry and cream notes and is a perfect wine for enjoying chilled on a warm spring or summer day; fresh, vibrant and fruity, with a crisp, dry finish. We enjoyed this with a mild vegetable curry, but it would be equally good with a picnic, or some Lebanese treats. Very impressive. $32. https://invercarronwines.com.au/

Moores Hill 2023 Riesling

Tasmania has a reputation for excellent sparkling wines, along with stellar cool-climate chardonnays and pinot noirs. Less well known are the Apple Isle's high-velocity rieslings, many of them alive with bright acid and lively citrus flavours. As this one is. It would be a very good partner for oysters, or some pan-fried flathead. Good work from new Moores Hill owners James Oliver and Constance Olivier, who arrived from the Yarra Valley to take over in the middle of last year. They have not missed a beat - maintaining Moores Hill's reputation as one of the stars of the Tamar Valley. $36. www.mooreshill.com.au

Jansz NV Premium Cuvee

 

Looking for a high-quality Tasmanian sparkling wine at an affordable price point? This delivers in spades and would be perfect for a Christmas party, or a small gathering with friends. I tasted this with winemaker Jen Doyle recently and we agreed it is a perfect aperitif choice, with lemony citrus notes and just a hint of creaminess. It would be terrific with freshly shucked oysters, or hors d'oevres, with its freshness and vibrancy. Lovely stuff. Shop around and you'll find it for $30 or under.   

Dalyrymple 2022 PM Pinot Meunier

 

Dalrymple winemaker Pete Caldwell has a formidable reputation for high-quality chardonnays and pinot noirs, but this is his first release of a wine made solely from the third pillar of the Champagne triumvirate, pinot meunier, which rarely takes centre stage. Caldwell describes PM as "elegant, luscious, and seductive" and this is a wine for enjoying in its youth - it could even be lightly chilled over summer. The variety has clearly taken to cool-climate Tasmania, producing a bright, fruit driven wine with strawberry and raspberry flavours to the fore, along with some typically Tasmanian bight acidity. Oak plays a support role and malolactic fermentation has added to the texture. The recommendation is to enjoy it with lighter dishes or hors d'oeuvres, or as as a aperitif. Distributed by Negociants. $42. https://www.dalrymplevineyards.com.au/