Holm Oak 2023 The Wizard Pinot Noir

 

Another outright winner from a family-owned Tamar Valley producer that makes top-notch wines across several price points. Bec and Tim Duffy's vineyard at Rowella produces excellent quality cool-climate fruit and this is estate-grown, made and bottled. It is a wine for those who like their pinots with plenty of flavour and structure. Some of the fruit comes from younger vines with clones selected for offering structure and complexity. The 30% whole-bunch material helps lift the mouthfeel game with maturation in French oak barriques for 12 months. So think dark fruit flavours, well balanced oak and cellaring potential. Save this one for the cooler months and pair with a rich winter casserole. $65.  https://holmoakvineyards.com.au/

Sailor Seeks Horse 2023 Pinot Noir

 

Those in the know when it comes to cool-climate pinot noir have the name Sailor Seeks Horse in their notebooks. Paul and Gilli Lipscombe have built a formidable reputation for the quality of their estate wines grown at Cradoc in the Huon Valley. This is a pinot with impressive tension; there's a panoply of flavours on the palate, but aligned to a sense of calmness and cohesion. This a classic style with immediate appeal, along with medium-term cellaring potential. The balance between fruit and savoury characters and some grippy tannins make this beguilingly rustic. $70. https://www.sailorseekshorse.com.au/