Lost Farm 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Lost Farm is the name of the Tasmanian project of South Australia's Angove family - it does not have anything to do with the golf course. This is a very fresh and lively 2023 sauvignon blanc with the grapes sourced from two vineyards in the north of the state: one at Relbia, south of Launceston, and the other in the West Tamar. It paired impressively with a pork mince and aubergine stir-fry with its zingy fruit flavours and crisp acidity complementing the spice of the dish. Sauvignon blanc in Tasmania typically has more tropical fruit flavours than herbal ones; and that is certainly the case here. The price is very reasonable, as well. $28. https://www.angove.com.au/our-story/lost-farm-wines    

Stefano Lubiana 2022 Estate Chardonnay

Wines from the Lubiana family always demonstrate their attention to detail. They are rare among Tasmanian wine producers, committing to certified organic and biodynamic methods that result in wines of great precision across the board. This is a beautifully structured new release with some impressive balance, cool-climate varietal character and immediate drinkability. It is 100% grown, made and bottled at the family's estate at Granton, north of Hobart, which overlooks the River Derwent. This is very food friendly with its stone fruit and almond meal elements and textural appeal and would pair brilliantly with dishes featuring pork or poultry. Elegant and impressively focused. And also Vegan friendly. $75. https://www.slw.com.au/  

Henskens Rankin 2015 Brut Rosé

 

Frieda Henskens and David Rankin do not own a vineyard, or a winery, but they do craft some of Tasmania's most exquisite small-batch sparking wines. They started Henskens Rankin in 2010 and remain tiny, producing artisanal wines for aficionados. They were only 500 bottles of this wine produced - and its complexity and freshness impressed my tasting group last month. Made in a consciously aperitif style, this is perfect for pairing with finger food with its wave of floral and fruit flavours that waft across the palate. It has spent seven years on yeast lees, gaining complexity along the way, and it is beautifully balanced. Priced as a special occasion treat. 94 points from me. $95. https://henskensrankin.com/

Delamere Vineyard 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Delamere duo Fran Austin and Shane Holloway are nowadays concentrating a lot of their efforts on a stellar range of sparkling wines, but their table wines are also well worth sampling with this new-release pinot noir a case in point. This is unmistakeably cool-climate pinot from the Pipers River region in the north of Tasmania, with more than a nod to the elegant pinots of Burgundy. It is taut and restrained and designed to be enjoyed with food, preferably roast duck, and would certainly reward patience if you opt to cellar it. This was hand-picked, fermented in open-topped vessels and matured in Burgundian oak. Think red fruits, tight structure and the tiniest hints of spice. Seriously good and destined to get better. $70. www.delamerevineyards.com.au.          

Kreglinger 2018 Rosé

 

Kreglinger is the umbrella company of leading Tasmanian wine brand Pipers Brook. It is also the brand name used for the company's premium sparkling wines made from grapes grown close to the north coast of Tasmania. Bright mousse with rose petal and raspberry notes, along with some savoury elements on the palate, create a drink that is full of interest. It is made from pinot noir from a single site and offers more depth than a lot of bubblies. This could be an aperitif, but has the structure and complexity to pair with poultry and white meat dishes. There is a lot of drinking pleasure here. $75. www.kreglingerwineestates.com.  

Stoney Vineyard 2022 Pinot Noir

 

Stoney Vineyard is part of the Domaine A operation in the Coal River Valley that is now owned and operated by David Walsh and his Moorilla team led by winemaker Conor van der Reest. This is a lovely new release with an eye-catching label. It is full of youthful vivacity and designed for immediate enjoyment. This is the first Stoney Vineyard pinot made entirely from estate fruit sourced from young vines. It is designed to provide a brighter, fruitier and less spicy style.. The palate offers plenty of varietal black and red fruit flavours, along with a perky minerality that reflects the site. Soft tannins and bright acid on the finish. Extremely good value for $39. https://domaine-a.com.au/shop/stoney-vineyard/   

Stoney Rise 2022 lutruwita Chardonnay

 

The newest releases from Joe Holyman are very much on target and this has to be one of the best-value Tasmanian chardonnays around. Tasted blind you might think it comes from Saint Véran or Pouilly Fuissé rather than Gravelly Beach in the Tamar Valley. It is a very sophisticated, if still youthful, little package. Think zingy melon and grapefruit flavours, some lemon zest, subtle oak and immediate pleasure. Hints of cashew nut notes and flinty minerality are part of the package. Joe recommends enjoying with "speed metal and friends", whereas I would go with roast pork and glamazons. Different strokes. The retail price on the website is $32 - which is remarkably cheap. Snap some up before they change their minds. https://www.stoneyrise.com/