Sinapius 2019 Close-Planted Chardonnay

Sinapius is one of the boutique gems of the wine industry in Tasmania, producing high-quality, innovative wines in tiny quantities. This is a very impressive cool-climate chardonnay - 100% estate grown at Pipers River and using nine different clones. Whole-bunch pressed and wild yeast fermented, this underwent full malo, spent 12 months in French oak and was unfined and unfiltered. This is a serious wine, demanding contemplation (or a Jason Isbell song). Rich but elegant on the palate with white pear and grapefruit notes and pebbly minerality, Really lovely. Only 7291 bottles were produced so move quickly. $57. https://sinapius.com.au/

Bream Creek 2021 Pinot Rosé

 

You know those warm days when you need something cool, lively and refreshing to sip on. Here's the answer: a new-release rosé made by Bream Creek from grapes grown by label owner Fred Peacock on the south-east coast of Tasmania. Made from 100% pinot noir, this is like drinking liquid strawberries and cream but finishes crisp and dry: a wine that offers both summer drinkability and food-friendliness. Pair this with a Lebanese mezze plate and also check out the equally refreshing 2021 Pinot Grigio. $31. www.breamcreekvineyard.com.au/

Handpicked 2020 Trial Batch Riesling

 

There is increasing interest in rieslings from Tasmania with uber negociant Handpicked Wines the latest on the bandwagon with a impressive debut release using fruit from Native Point at Swan Bay in the Tamar Valley. Winemaker Pete Dillon has captured the essence of Tassie riesling with a limited release available at Handpicked’s cellar doors in Sydney and Melbourne and online. This is very flavoursome, with excellent acidity and citrus peel flavours. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed into a large concrete egg and then naturally fermented over three weeks. Bright, dry and slatey, with just a hint of fruit sweetness, this is a beauty if you can lay your hands on some. Pair with Thai chicken and cashew stir-fry. $29. www.handpickedwines.com.au/

Roslyn 1823 2020 Pinot Noir

 

f you enjoy your pinot noir juicy and fruity with plenty of youthful vibrancy then you've come to the right place. Roslyn 1823 is a new producer in a very old homestead at Campania in the Coal River Valley, part of a permaculture farm operation, that has its wines made at nearby Drew Wines. Best known for its Iced Riesling, but this is another standout from the Palmer family operation. I loved the bright red fruits and food friendliness here, while French oak plays a small but important support role. Order by the dozen from the website, or look out for them at Salamanca Market. $40. www.roslyn-1823.com/    

Kate Hill 2018 Riesling

 

I'll declare my conflict of interest straight away: I've done a couple of cellar door tastings at Kate Hill Wines in the Huon Valley and very much enjoy her wines. Every time this has been a shining light; a truly delicious cool-climate riesling minus aggressive youthful acid but still full of bright citrus and stone fruit characters. Crafted from fruit selected from the Derwent and Coal River valleys, it is extremely food friendly and drinking very well at three years of age. This pairs well with just about anything from a cheese platter to Thai takeaway. $32.  www.katehillwines.com.au/

Chartley Estate 2020 Pinot Gris

 

Chartley Estate is one of those Tasmanian wineries that has a strong local following but has tended to fly a little under the radar nationally. Owned by the Kossmann family, who have a vineyard at Rowella in the west of the Tamar Valley, the current release whites - including a chardonnay and riesling - are outstanding with this one my personal favourite. Aromatic, with classic nashi pear and stone fruit characters, it sits midway between gris complexity and grigio freshness in style, finishing crisp and dry. Very food friendly, too. $29.  https://chartleyestatevineyard.com.au/

Clover Hill 2016 Vintage Release

 

Tasmania is the "go to" state for quality sparkling wines and Clover Hill has long been one of the leading producers: it is one of Australia's very few premium sparkling houses solely producing sparkling wines in the traditional method. My first thought when I tried this brand new release was that it was a grower Champagne, Yes, its that good. Chardonnay dominant, this has purity, elegance, complexity and drinkability in a definite aperitif style with citrus and brioche notes to the fore. $54.