Resolution Vineyard 2023 Pinot Noir

There are boutique wines, and there are boutique wines. They don't get much more niche than the Resolution Vineyard 2023 Pinot Noir - released this week from a one-hectare, pinot-only vineyard at Middleton in Tasmania's far south. This is so niche that only 50 cases were produced, so it might pay to be swiftly off the mark for this darkly coloured pinot with its dark cherry flavours and bright, crunchy acid on the palate; a wine that is full of youthful verve. It is made from vines that are now over 20 years old, grown on a hillside with views of Bruny Island. $45. https://www.resolutionvineyard.com.au/

Stoney Rise 2022 Pinot Noir

 

It is hard nowadays to find a decent bottle of Tasmanian pinot noir for under $50. Production costs are high, most producers are small scale, and demand has rocketed over the past few years. Thank goodness, then, for Joe Holyman and his Stoney Rise label, which offers value with a capital V.  There is immediate drinking pleasure on offer here with a pinot made from a blend of 85% estate and 15% grower fruit. You don't need to think too much about this one; it is effortlessly drinkable with plenty of bright red fruit flavours and impressive drive. Maturation in old oak puncheons has added palate interest. The 2023 vintage has just been released but there should still be some 2022 in retail. $35. https://www.stoneyrise.com/

Apogee Deluxe 2020 Vintage Rosé

 

Andrew Pirie has been at the pinnacle of winemaking in Tasmania for five decades and even though he has tiny production numbers under his Apogee label, his wines are always worth looking out for. This is an outstanding recent release sparkling rosé with impressive aromas of florals, red berries and flint leading on to a palate this is pure, delicate and dry. This is a blend of : 75% Pinot Noir, 17% Chardonnay and 8% Pinot Meunier that finishes mid-weight and flavoursome with what Pirie describes as a finishing "citrus tang". A perfect partner for poultry dishes. $82. https://www.apogeetasmania.com/

Bream Creek 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir

You can choose just about any Bream Creek wine to review: the quality is excellent across the board. From a purely selfish point of view I wish I had not opened this one, however. It is going to be even better in 4-5 years if you have the patience to cellar it. It is a powerful, concentrated cool-climate pinot that it is still a way from its prime. The Bream Creek team choose just 10% of their best fruit in barrel for this reserve blend - and it is a ripper. Pair with Chinese roast duck or pork. $70. https://www.breamcreekvineyard.com.au/

Craigie Knowe 2021 White Label Sparkling Rosé

This is summer in a bottle: a pale, fun but elegant rosé that delivers plenty of flavour and refreshment when served well chilled. It was one of the standouts at a Red & White trade tasting this week. It comes from a family-owned and -operated wine producer that was a pioneer on the East Coast of Tasmania 45 years ago. It is delicate, crisp and dry with strawberry and redcurrant flavours on the palate. Perfect as a aperitif, or perhaps paired with a prawn cocktail or seafood platter. $50. https://craigieknowe.com.au/