Tolpuddle Vineyard 2020 Pinot Noir

 

Tolpuddle Vineyard was established in 1988 and has gone from strength to strength over the past decade since being sold to the team behind Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills. The vineyard is just outside Richmond in the Coal River Valley has light silica soil over sandstone that produce wines of style and elegance. This is undoubtedly one of Tasmania's finest pinots - and sells out soon after release. It is aromatic, medium bodied with savoury and spice notes and impeccable length. Vigorous vineyard work results in a wine of vigour. $95. www.tolpuddlevineyard.com/

Ponting 2020 Mowbray Boy Pinot Noir

 

To be brutally honest, I did not have high hopes for this wine. Ricky Ponting is well-known for his cricketing feats, less so for his knowledge of viticulture, while winemaker Ben Riggs usually concentrates his efforts on warm-climate grapes like shiraz. I'm very happy to have been proved wrong. This is a very nifty young Tamar Valley pinot noir made from fruit grown a few sixes away from where Ponting grew up in the Launceston suburb of Mowbray. The duo have come up trumps. very good drinking: vibrant, crunchy and varietal. $36. https://pontingwines.com.au/   

Derwent Estate 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Tasmania is not best known for its sauvignon blancs but the grape variety can shine when planted in the right spots. Derwent Estate is a spectacular site overlooking the River Derwent north of Hobart. It produces top-quality fruit, much of which has been sold in the past the big producers. This is the perfect choice for spring wine enjoyment - fresh, aromatic and vibrant with ripe tropical fruit flavours like kiwifruit and pineapple to the fore. Crisp, dry and zingy and a good match with shellfish, pan-fried flathead or simply on the back deck after a tough day. Enjoy in its youth; lightly chilled $35. www.derwentestate.com.au/ 

One Monkey 2019 Here Comes A Freight Train Pinot Noir

 

Bushfires in 2019 meant Paul and Gilli Lipscombe from Sailor Seeks Horse in the Huon Valley were unable to produce their usual stellar pinots and chardonnays because of smoke taint. So they cast their net for fruit a little wider, called on the help of friends within the industry and launched two wines using bought-in fruit from the north of the state under the One Monkey label. The fruit for this savoury number comes from Bird vineyard (48%) in Pipers River, owned by Pipers Brook, with the balance coming from Joe Holyman’s new block (21%), Goaty Hill (18%), Ghost Rock (11%) and Clover Hill (2%). Partial whole bunch adds texture and palate interest. $50. https://sailorseekshorse.com.au/

Pooley 2021 Pinot Grigio

 

With summer fast approaching lovers of fresh, crisp grigios will want to get their hands on a bottle or two of this new release from one of the best family wine producers in Tasmania. This lively young Coal River Valley wine is impressively floral on the nose with nashi pear and granny smith apple flavours on the palate, along with fresh acidity and hints of pebbly minerality and an attractive candle wax texture. This is long, lean and lovely and would pair with a mushroom quiche or a roasted chicken dish. $36. www.pooleywines.com.au/

Tolpuddle 2020 Pinot Noir

 

The Tolpuddle vineyard in the Coal River Valley has long been regarded as one of the finest vineyards in Tasmania, producing chardonnay and pinot noir fruit of exceptional quality. For the past few years the vines have been under the care of the team from Adelaide Hills standout Shaw+Smith, and the wines have never looked better. This is a brand-new release, but already in short supply. It has a beguiling bouquet and is medium-bodied with some hints of spice and lovely pure fruit, along with youthful vibrancy. One for a special occasion. $95. www.tolpuddlevineyard.com/

Charles Rueben Estate 2019 Cabernet Rosé

Charles Reuben Estate is a family-owned vineyard and micro distillery, tucked away at Tea Tree in the Coal River Valley, just a short drive from Hobart. There is also an on-site bed and breakfast option - The Pinot Cottage. The 2019 vintage was a difficult one in Tasmania, but this has come up well; without too much intrusive acid. It is fragrant and has brisk but balanced acidity along with some savoury notes on the palate, which has a tangy sweet and sour/cranberry and apple peel vibe going on. Drink soon, well chilled. $29. https://charlesreuben.com.au/