Sailor Seeks Horse 2024 Pinot Noir

 

The new release pinot noir from Sailor Seeks Horse delivers exactly what you would expect from one of best of Tasmania's new wave of wine producers. Paul and Gilli Lipscombe have built a formidable reputation for quality since taking over a deserted and overgrown vineyard in the Huon Valley a decade and a half ago. Their wines now have an international reputation and are found in top restaurants and wine bars, as well as being exported to key markets - most recently to Singapore. Very long, very precise. Structured, sappy, and potentially long lived. From a warm. dry year, this was wild fermented with a tiny amount of whole bunch material. It saw mainly aged oak and has impressive spice and dark cherry notes. Just lovely. $70. https://www.sailorseekshorse.com.au/

Holm Oak 2025 Pinot Gris

Winemaker Bec Duffy and her viticulturist husband Tim make an impressive range of fairly-priced, cool-climate wines at their Rowella property in the Tamar Valley. If you are looking for a white to accompany a Thai green chicken (or vegetable) curry then you might like to try this vibrant option. It has freshness allied to palate interest sparked by 10% of the wine being wild fermented in older oak barrels and 10% wild fermented in tank; adding complexity. You'll find white pear and apple fruit notes here along with texture, a hint of bitter almonds, and crunchy acidity on the finish. Serve chilled. Drink now. $32. https://holmoakvineyards.com.au/

Pooley 2024 Syrah

The wine industry moves at a fast pace. A decade or two ago it would have been absurd to expect quality shirazes from Tasmania. Climate change and deft winemaking now see several leading Tasmanian producers making impressive cool-climate shirazes; and this is one of the best. It's downright delicious. Anna Pooley and her team have crafted a structured and flavoursome wine from the Coal River Valley with dark fruit and savoury/spice notes dancing a seductive tongue tango. Fresh, well balanced and food friendly, we paired this with marinated lamb chops. $60. https://www.pooleywines.com.au/

Bream Creek 2025 Riesling

 

Tasmania is best known for its sparkling wines, chardonnays and pinot noirs. That means that other varieties often fly under the radar. Riesling is a case in point with this excellent offering from Tasman Peninsula producer Bream Creek well worth seeking out. Bream Creek makes excellent wines across the board, probably due to the fact that proprietor Fred Peacock is one of the island state's top viticulturists. You'll find citrus aromas that lead on to a crisp, dry palate with bright, chalky minerality, tropical fruit hints, and zingy acid. You could pair this one with freshly shucked oysters or pan-fried sardines. $36. https://www.breamcreekvineyard.com.au/ 

Jansz 2021 Vintage Cuvée

 

Looking for a treat for Mother's Day? Jansz has always been one of the "go to" labels for quality cool-climate Tasmanian sparkling wine at fair prices. This is a standout example - and a very good choice for just about any celebration. A classic blend of hand-picked chardonnay and pinot noir, it offers a melange of freshness and maturity - with lively citrus on the nose and hints of toasty brioche on the palate. Barrel fermentation and three years of lees ageing has added palate complexity. This would pair with a brunch by the pool, or a whole fish on the barbecue, or just for sipping on the back deck with canapes. Available at Dan Murphy's, BWS, and independent retailers. $56. https://www.jansz.com.au/

Spring Vale 2023 Pinot Noir

 

The Lyne family has been farming at Spring Vale, on Tasmania's east coast, for over 150 years - and making wine for close to four decades. The vineyards were established in 1986, adapting historic farmland into rows of vines. The east coast is the warmest of Tasmania's sub-regions and produces wines with plenty of flavour. This bold pinot wine - mature at three years of age - has dark, rich fruit flavours and chocolate/vanilla notes not necessarily associated with the island state. It has an earthy and textural finish and would be an excellent companion for roast lamb and all the trimmings. The historic cellar door is well worth a visit. $58.springvalewines.com

Boomer Creek 2024 Chardonnay

Boomer Creek is one of the newer names on the Tasmanian wine landscape and its delightful cellar door is a terrific place to stop during an east coast drive. Here a tasting involves great views, the chance to enjoy some deli treats and well-made wines. The first vines were planted in 2012 and the operation is a third-generation family business. This is an impressive cool-climate chardonnay with plenty of varietal flavours balanced by elegance on the finish. There are aromas of toasty oak and vanilla while the palate us driven by stone fruit flavours and hints of crisp citrus. The Boomer Creek team recommends pairing with seafood dishes like salt and pepper calamari or creamy garlic scallops. It would be foolish to argue. They've got it spot on. $45. https://boomercreekvineyard.com.au/