Tuesday 31 March 2020

Small Island 2019 Chardonnay


Former Domaine A cellarhand and Margan Wines alumni James Broinowski started in the wine business by crowdfunding support for his initial releases. He's subsequently built a reputation both as a quality winemaker and a distiller and is one of the finalists for the 2020 Young Guns of Wine Awards. This is an outstanding cool-climate chardonnay made from fruit grown at Saltwater River on the Tasman Peninsula. With just 12.8% alcohol and no oak this just oozes freshness and would be marvelous paired with fresh Tasmanian seafood. Extended lees contact has added textural elements to the crisp, citrusy fruit. $34. www.smallislandwines.com/ You'll also find this at Drink Co. in Salamanca. 

Thursday 19 March 2020

Ghost Rock 2019 P3 Rosé



A most unusual blend from one of the rising star producers in Tasmania; a delightful dryish rosé that is a field blend of pinot meunier, pinot gris and pinot noir from the Cradle Coast - outside Devonport. Those three grape varieties are rarely blended together but this works brilliantly with a vivacious nose of fresh-picked flowers and wild strawberries and a juicy palate that screams “drink me”. Pair with lightly spiced vegetarian Indian dishes like bhajis and pakoras. $30.  

Sunday 15 March 2020

Stargazer 2019 rada


Another stellar effort from Sam Connew, the former Wirra Wirra and Tower Estate winemaker who is making herself very much at home in Tasmania's Coal River Valley. This is a wild-fermented blend of pinot meunier and pinot noir from Pipers River and Coal River Valley that is is made very much in the style of Burgundy's passetoutgrains. It is a style that is very much in vogue; light-to-medium bodied with textural interest and a lightness of touch. You can enjoy this crisp and crunchy number slightly chilled on a warm day, or at cellar temperature with pasta dishes, or perhaps a late-season picnic. $38. www.stargazerwine.com.au