Pressing Matters 2023 Texture Riesling

Not your average riesling! From Coal River Valley riesling specialists Pressing Matters, this is a funky and textural take that immediately grabs your attention. Wild fermented in older oak puncheons and left to mature on its lees, this has plenty of palate interest along with edgy minerality and structure. Some time spent in bottle has helped tame the wild acidity that characterises many young Tasmanian rieslings. I like the length and breadth here; this is no shrinking violet. Fun and different with its yeasty lees influence. $65. https://pressingmatters.com.au/ 

Kate Hill NV Noir Rosé Sparkling

 

Kate Hill crafts some terrific-value, small-batch, cool-climate wines from her base in the Huon Valley, one of the southernmost wineries in Australia. I help out at cellar door occasionally. This is a fun Methode Champenoise bubbly made from pinot noir grapes: such a lively, easy drinking style for enjoying over the final days of summer. The pretty pink colour indicates exactly what is in store: lively strawberry fruit notes and a crisp, dry finish make this ideal for pairing with sausage rolls, party pies, vegetable quiche or smoked salmon sandwiches. $45. https://www.katehillwines.com.au/

Freycinet Vineyard 2024 Riesling

 

What a joy this wine is to enjoy on a warm day - and it is a bargain, too, given how riesling somehow remains an under-rated variety in Tasmania, where it can produce stellar dry wines. This comes from an East Coast vineyard closing in on 50 years of age, and is made by talented team Claudio Radenti and Keira O'Brien. I tried a glass at a friend's place, then quickly went back for a second. Hand-pruned and hand-harvested from 25+ year old vines, this undergoes a slow, cool fermenation to ensure maximum flavour. This is ripe, it is dry, it is juicy, it is crisp and it is hard to say no to a third glass. Pair with anything from a vegetable pizza to Vietnamese glass noodles. Stunningly good. $36. https://freycinetvineyard.com.au/

Holm Oak 2023 Fearless Pinot Noir

 

This excellent small-batch pinot noir is the latest pinot to join a formidable list made by Holm Oak duo Bec and Tim Duffy. It found almost unanimous acclaim from my tasting group this week, but the bad news is that it is made in such small quantities that it is only available at their Tamar Valley cellar door, or to wine club members. Made from two barrels that were outstandingly aromatic and intense it is named after one of the old wooden Alexander tennis racquets with which they have a family history. This is fruit driven with no new oak and no whole bunch. Think poise and precision. It is smooth and delicious. $65. www.holmoakvineyards.com.au