Kate Hill 2022 Shiraz

Kate Hill is based in the Huon Valley, south of Hobart, but in addition to her estate vineyard she also sources grapes from around the south of the state and has the luxury of several regular growers providing her with excellent fruit. Although she has a small shiraz block on her home vineyard, the fruit for this excellent new release is sourced from the Coal River Valley, close to Hobart Airport. This is a medium-bodied with classic cool-climate characteristic, laden with savoury and spice notes but beautifully balanced. I've done some work with Kate (disclaimer) and know that she is very proud of the quality of this wine. Pair it with some roast yearling lamb for a special treat. $65. www.katehillwines.com.au      

Jones & Jones Invercarron 2022 Pinot Noir

 

When Tasmania finally decides to introduce regional appellations, Invercarron wines might merit one to themselves. The Jones' family vineyard is the only commercial one in the Jordan Valley, near the hamlet of Broadmarsh, north of Hobart. The Jones family has farmed in the region since 1818 and planted vines just six years ago . The wines are made at Ghost Rock in the north-west of the state due to a family connection - and have built a keen local following in a short time. This new-release pinot is in the zone for immediate enjoyment with bright varietal fruit characters and delightful balance. It has soaked up the 30% new French oak and is very pure, very precise unmistakeably from a cool site - but all the better for that. I'd pair with roast chicken. A solid 94 points from me. $45. https://invercarronwines.com.au/

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/