Two Bud Spur 2021 Gamay

 

It is a complete mystery why more Australians do not drink wines made from the gamay grape, particularly over summer when the variety can be enjoyed chilled. From a tiny vineyard in the cool Huon Valley, south of Hobart, this is a delightfully slurpable gamay that can happily be quaffed after a stint in the fridge. Unashamedly based on Beaujolais, this is fresh, fruity and refreshing and was fermented on skins and aged in barrel for 12 months. Think red berry fruit flavours and bright refreshing acidity. Well worth checking out. It pairs well with pizzas from the local Red Velvet Lounge eatery. $40. https://twobudspur.com.au/

Josef Chromy 2017 Brut Rosé Finesse

 

This was one of the affordable stars of the recent Effervesence sparkling wine festival in northern Tasmania; a pinot-dominant rosé blend with plenty of substance that offers a whole lot of drinking pleasure. Think red currant, berry and apple flavours with a clean, brisk finish. A blend of fruit sourced from the estate vineyard at Relbia - near Launceston Airport - this comprises 88.5% pinot noir and 11.5% chardonnay. There is no malolactic fermentation to ensure the retention of the acidity for potential long-term aging. Four years on yeast lees have built complexity so that this has enough power and personality to match most white meat dishes. Pop by and enjoy a bottle on site if you get the chance. It is a lovely setting. $50. https://josefchromy.com.au/

Trial Bay Estate 2022 Pinot Noir

 

The 2020 and 2021 pinots from Trial Bay Estate were very decent wines, but the new 2022 release takes things to a different level. This is a very impressive young wine from a boutique vineyard in the d'Entrecasteaux Channel, 30 minutes south of Hobart that is vinified by consultant winemaker Kate Hill. Owners Nick and Saskia Kayes, who purchased the property in 2019,  have worked hard on their vines and are reaping the rewards. with bright dark cherry flavours here and impressive structure. It's a real pinot, not a soft, dry red. Only 660 bottles were made, and I may just have purchased a couple of them. $55.  www.trialbayestate.com.au    

Hughes & Hughes 2022 50% Whole Bunch Pinot Noir

 

Talented brothers Jonny and Matthew Hughes release their estate wines from the d’Entrecasteaux Channel under their Mewstone label and a dazzling array of small-batch wines made using grower fruit under their Hughes & Hughes label. This is made in tiny amounts but stands out from the crowd with its classic pinot flavours allied to crunchy texture. The fruit was sourced from the Clarence House vineyard in the Hobart suburb of Rokeby and was pressed to, and matured in, oak for 10 months (30% new). Bottled unfined and unfiltered it is a vibrant and expressive wine that is perfect for enjoying in its youth. A little raw, a little wild. A little Iggy Pop. $50. https://www.mewstonewines.com.au/

Stefano Lubiana 2021 Syrah

If you consider Tasmanian wine you probably first think of sparkling wines, then chardonnay or pinot noir. But the island state is a lot more versatile than many give it credit for, and cool-climate, medium-bodied shirazes are increasingly finding favour with wine lovers looking for elegance over power and high alcohol levels. This is a very satisfactory Rhone-accented wine, hence the use of syrah, rather than shiraz, on the label. It ticks a lot of boxes being biodynamic, organic, and Vegan-friendly, and is made from 100% estate fruit grown on grey gravelly loam over gravel and red loam at the family estate at Granton, 30 minutes north of Hobart, overlooking the River Derwent. Soft, subtle, savoury and stylish. Perfect for your next dinner party. $70. www.slw.com.au

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