Pooley 2025 Cooinda Vale Riesling

 

I have long subscribed to the view that dry rieslings from Tasmania are best enjoyed several months after being bottled, or at four or more years of age if you like more savoury notes. Very young rieslings from the island state can often be ultra high in acidity. If you subscribe to that viewpoint then you'll find this wine from one of Tasmania's finest family producers to be right in the zone right now. There is serious depth of flavour thanks to whole-bunch pressing, and four months on lees, but the wine retains its bright, lively, citrusy attitude on the finish. Pair this Coal Valley product with pan-fried snapper or blue eye for a Tassie taste treat. $70. https://www.pooleywines.com.au/   

Kreglinger 2019 Vintage Brut

Looking for a serious, food-friendly sparkling wine? This is a classic blend of pinot noir and chardonnay from the same people that make the Pipers Brook table wines. It offers complexity and richness on the palate while retaining cool-climate freshness and vibrancy. Made from grapes grown in a single vineyard in Pipers River - in the far north of tTasmania - this is an excellent dinner party choice with berry/apple orchard aromas leading to a delightfully balanced palate that is simultaneously yeasty, toasty, citrusy and savoury with an impressive mousse. Cold fermentation in barrel, malo and battonage have added to a kaleidoscope of flavours and textures. This was aged for five years+ in bottle before release. $65. https://www.kreglingerwineestates.com/

Holm Oak 2024 Shiraz

 

Cool-climate shirazes from Tasmania are increasingly find favour with wine drinkers looking for more subtle/elegant takes on the grape variety. With the 2024 vintage wines coming from a warm, dry year at Rowella in the Tamar Valley, that created perfect conditions for fine, peppery shiraz. I really liked the immediate drinkability of this one, which has moderate alcohol but plenty of flavour. Red fruit and spice notes are aided and abetted by quality French oak (just 20% new) that sits comfortably in the background. Fruit driven, medium bodied and a statement that there is more to Tasmanian reds than just pinot. Pair this with poultry dishes, or maybe roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. $50. www.holmpoakvineyards.com.au.  

Freycinet Vineyard 2025 Louis Schönburger Riesling

This unusual sweet white blend has found favour with a couple of Tasmania's best producers - and is a very amiable companion for spicy dishes from the likes of Thailand and Korea, or maybe an Indian vegetable curry.  This one, from a pioneering producer on the east coast, is a blend of 67% German hybrid schönburger and 33% riesling, with a melange of sweet/ripe tropical fruit flavours to the fore, along with hints of white spice and citrus notes. Aromatic, and soft on the palate, this would also pair well with a platter featuring soft blue cheeses. Drink young. Drink chilled. $33. https://freycinetvineyard.com.au/

Dalrymple 2024 Single Site Pipers River Pinot Noir

 

Here’s a great combo. One of Australia’s leading wine families; top-quality Tasmanian grapes and talented winemaker Pete Caldwell. This is one of a pair of uber-impressive new release single-site Tasmanian pinots from Hill-Smith family-owned Dalrymple: this one from the winery’s home turf in Pipers River in the far north, the other from the Coal River Valley in the south. From a warm - for Tasmania - year, it has dark cherry and spice notes, is ripe and bright with well integrated oak. It pulls off the neat trick of being intense and elegant at the same time. Pair with Chinese roast duck  $80. www.dalrymplevineyards.com.au

Two Tonne Tasmania TMV Chardonnay 2025

 

Here's one of the stars from a batch of impressive new 2025 TTT releases from Ricky Evans - the pinots and riesling are also well worth seeking out. Evans makes wines under the TTT and Woodlawn Park labels as well as running popular Launceston wine bar Havilah and is a proven star on the Tasmanian wine scene. This is a lovely cool-climate chardonnay from Evans' home ground in the Tamar Valley, pure and linear with enticing chalky minerality. Whole-bunch, fermentation in older big format oak and some malo for palate complexity have delivered a wine with immediate appeal and brisk natural acidity/salinity on the finish. Very impressive - one for Burgundy lovers priced out of that market. Look out for this label. $39. 

Spring Vale 2019 Family Selection Pinot Noir

 

Hitting Tasmania’s delightful east coast? Want to take home a very stylish local wine that is mature and ready to enjoy right now? This one hits the bullseye; delicious classic cool-climate pinot noir from land at Cranbrook that has been farmed by the Lyne family since 1875. The vineyards arrived a bit later: in 1986, but Spring Vale is very much part of regional history. I really enjoyed the balance of this wine; beautifully poised between fruit and savoury notes, and well worth a splurge. Note, however, that it is made in tiny quantities - from one barrique - and virtually impossible to find anywhere other than cellar door. $125. www.springvalewines.com

Pirie Sparkling Vintage 2021

Named in recognition of Andrew Pirie, a pioneer of cool-climate viticulture in Tasmania, this is an outstanding example of the quality sparkling wines for which the island state has become recognised. Pirie now operates his own small bijou wine business, Apogee, but I suspect he would be very happy with the quality of this recent release: It is fresh, bright and elegant with precision and purity. Citrus and sea spray aromas lead on to a crisp palate that is fruit-forward with toasty/nutty characters in a support role. The finish is full of citrus peel vivacity. Pair with oysters or simple grilled fish dishes. The website shows this as being sold out, but there should still some in retail land.  $55. https://brownfamilywines.com.au/collections/brands-pirie

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/

Freycinet Vineyard 2021 Louis Syrah

Climate change has seen several of Tasmania's top vineyards become increasingly capable of producing succulent cool-climate shirazes. This one, from the Freycinet Vineyard on the east coast, represents excellent value for lovers of aromatic, spicy reds. The Louis range of wines is designed for everyday enjoyment or for short-term cellaring, and this hand-picked number is right on target. At five years of age, it offers immediate drinking pleasure and is a stylish, medium-bodied red with classic spice and pepper on the nose leading to soft red and dark fruit flavours on a supple palate that also offers some deli hints. Very food friendly - pair with lamb dishes, or a winter pasta and ragu. $35. https://freycinetvineyard.com.au/

Trial Bay Estate 2024 Pinot Noir

 

So you like to support artisan producers? They don't get much more micro than Trial Bay Estate at Kettering, a hamlet in the d'Entrecasteaux Channel south of Hobart. Trial Bay produces just one single vineyard wine each year from its 2 acres of vines - and there were just 895 bottles made in 2024. That's bottles, not cases. Some wines just leap out of the glass with their youthful vitality and this is an excellent example; turbo-charged with vibrant fruit character from the hand-picked grapes that are organically grown, although not certified. Red berries and French oak are well aligned and previous vintages have rewarded cellaring for 4-5 years. $55. https://www.trialbayestate.com.au/

Kate Hill Wines 2025 Sauvignon Blanc

There is a delightfully chilled, youthful vibe about this new release from Kate Hill in the Huon Valley. It is a bright, blue-eyed child of a wine, blessed with citrus and tropical fruit notes ahead of light herbaceousness in a style that pays homage to the classic sauvignons of the Loire Valley. Made from southern Tasmanian grower fruit, it spent some time in older oak building mouthfeel and is perfect for late summer enjoyment, perhaps with a quiche and green salad, or maybe sushi/sashimi. I declare some bias here: I have been known to pop up at Kate's cellar door - but I wouldn't do that if I didn't enjoy her wines. Love the colour-coded labels, too. $34. https://www.katehillwines.com.au/

Pooley 2025 Butcher’s Hill Riesling

The Pooley family were pioneers of high-quality winemaking in the Coal River Valley, just past Hobart Airport, and have earned international acclaim. Their cellar door is a "must visit" for wine lovers venturing to Tasmania. They are better known for pinot noir than riesling, but this delicious new release underlines how good the grape variety can be in Tasmania. This is a single vineyard wine with serious structure and depth of flavour; far removed from its "high-acid, drink now" cousins. The 2024 vintage quickly sold out and this will doubtless do the same. There are classic citrus notes here, but also interesting textural notes on the palate. Pair with scallops or pasta dishes with seafood. $70. https://www.pooleywines.com.au/  

 

Resolution Vineyard 2025 Pinot Noir

Resolution Vineyard is something of a wine secret, even to locals in southern Tasmania. The tiny one-hectare property, planted 24 years ago, is tucked away in the hills overlooking the d'Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island - next to the local cemetery outside the hamlet of Middleton. The vineyard, owned and operated by the Lamont family, grows only pinot noir and production is the hundreds of bottles, not cases. I tasted this young release, vinified by Alain Rousseau at Frogmore Creek, just after it had been bottled and it needed a couple of hours to relax and show at its it best. I tried it again a few days later and it had come together beautifully; floral, fresh, crunchy and vibrant. $40. www.resolutionvineyard.com.au

www.resolutionvineyard.com.au

Wineglass Bay 2025 Sauvignon Blanc

Tasmania is best known for wines made from pinot noir and chardonnay - but it also produces several other styles, like this super seafood-friendly sauvignon blanc, made by the talented team under Claudio Radenti at Freycinet Vineyard under the Wineglass Bay label, a nod to a beautiful local east coast beach. This is fresh and lively with tropical and herbaceous notes, ripe fruit and zingy acid on the finish. A percentage spent time in seasoned oak barrels to add mouthfeel. It is designed for immediate enjoyment, preferably well chilled. It paired beautifully with avocado and lobster, but would also be great with local oysters. A seriously fun wine. $30. https://freycinetvineyard.com.au/

Stoney Rise 2025 Savagnin

There is not much savagnin around. Originally from the Jura region of France, where it is used to make the famous vin jaune oxidative wines, in Australia it was originally erroneously marketed as the Spanish grape albarino. Nowadays it is often confused with sauvignon blanc. In the right hands it makes white wines that are very textural, in this case with salinity and length added by three days of maceration. Stoney Rise winemaker Joe Holyman, a former wicketkeeper for Tasmania, has very steady hands and this is an interesting wine; grippy, food friendly with apple/nutty notes and savoury/spicy hints. You'll find Holyman's sense of humour on the front foot on the back label with nonsense nods to broadbean hotpot, Palatschinke and yodelling. Pair with a cheese platter, or quiche lorraine. $42. https://www.stoneyrise.com/  

Holm Oak 2023 The Wizard Pinot Noir

 

Another outright winner from a family-owned Tamar Valley producer that makes top-notch wines across several price points. Bec and Tim Duffy's vineyard at Rowella produces excellent quality cool-climate fruit and this is estate-grown, made and bottled. It is a wine for those who like their pinots with plenty of flavour and structure. Some of the fruit comes from younger vines with clones selected for offering structure and complexity. The 30% whole-bunch material helps lift the mouthfeel game with maturation in French oak barriques for 12 months. So think dark fruit flavours, well balanced oak and cellaring potential. Save this one for the cooler months and pair with a rich winter casserole. $65.  https://holmoakvineyards.com.au/

Glaetzer Dixon 2019 Mon Pere Shiraz

Cool-climate Tasmanian shirazes are terrific mid-term cellaring prospects, but Nick Glaetzer at Glaetzer-Dixon Family Winemakers has done the work for you, re-releasing two outstanding back vintage examples of the Mon Père Shiraz. GDFW is celebrating 20 years in Tasmania with re-releases of 2018 and 2019 Mon Père. Both are excellent in different ways, but the 2019 is my pick right now. It comes from a cooler year and is more more aromatic and elegant with dark pepper and deli notes along with dark fruits. The 2018 ($90) is richer and rounder, so it is horses four courses. $85. https://www.gdfwinemakers.com/. 

Rivulet 2024 Glaziers Bay Chardonnay

 

Keira O'Brien is a talented winemaker who has worked with some of the best in the business in Tasmania. She sources small amounts of fruit from various vineyards around the state for her small-batch wines under the Rivulet label. This one uses grapes from Owen and Eve Knight's Elsewhere vineyard in the Huon Valley, one of the most southerly in the country. The chardonnay vines here are over 40 years old. This was one of the stars of the Budburst Tassie Wine Expo, with a symphony of flavours - elegant fruit, smartly-judged oak and bight minerality. Simply sensational drinking. Pair with old skool roast chicken and stuffing. $58. https://rivuletwine.com/  

Bream Creek 2025 Pinot Gris

 

You can choose any wine - literally any wine - from the Bream Creek range and you won't be disappointed. Fred Peacock and his team from the Tasman Peninsula are masters of consistent excellence. This has the lot - length, texture and balance - and probably sits midway between gris and grigio styles. It's classic cool-climate white with appealing pear/apple/citrus flavours and plenty of palate interest/crunchy acid alongside immediate drinkability. Pair this anything from a mushroom quiche to fritto misto. Startlingly good value at $36. https://www.breamcreekvineyard.com.au/

Stoney Vineyard 2023 Pinot Noir

 

From the David Walsh stable; Moorilla Estate/Domaine A, this is a very stylish pinot noir from the Stoney Vineyard in the Coal River Valley. Winemaker Conor van der Reest has conjured up a very elegant wine, what we used to call feminine, with classic cool-climate pinot character, well balanced flavour and a very smooth finish. This is one of those wines that just evaporates in your glass. Think cherries, chocolate notes, ginger, Asian spices but with a very sexy, soft finish. Pair with Chinese roast duck. My sample was provided by Wine Tasmania. Exceptional value at $42. https://domaine-a.com.au/

Quiet Mutiny 2025 Charlotte's Elusion Rosé

 

Here is a rosé with a difference; primarily made from the pinot meunier grape that is traditionally used in sparkling wines. This offers a food-friendly alternative dry table wine that is perfect for enjoying chilled over summer. Quiet Mutiny is the personal label of Greer Carland, whose family owns Laurel Bank vineyard overlooking the Derwent River. This was a standout at the recent Budburst Tassie Wine Expo. The fruit for this wine was sourced from the warmer East Coast of Tasmania and this lively number has both vibrancy and personality. Perfect for enjoying with a Middle Eastern mezze plate, or some pan-fried salmon (preferably not farmed salmon). $37. https://quietmutiny.wine/  

Aunt Alice 2025 Ocean Chardonnay

 

Alice Davidson is a talented winemaker who has worked with outstanding talents including Peter Dredge and is now building a formidable reputation for her own label, which sources fruit some several vineyards around the state. She is currently building a micro winery at Geeveston in the Huon Valley. This is a very impressive new release tasted at the Budburst Tassie Wine Expo that is at once varietal, fresh, vibrant and accessible. It is elegant and food friendly; suitable for short-term cellaring. You could pair this with anything from American pork ribs to traditional roast chicken. $55. https://www.auntalice.com.au/  

Hughes & Hughes 2025 Sauvignon Blanc

 

This is a perfect choice for enjoying on a warm afternoon. In fact I can't think of a wine that says "summer fun" so impressively. Hughes & Hughes is the the label the Hughes brothers from Mewstone Vineyard in southern Tasmania use for their entry level wines made using grower fruit. This recent release features grapes grown in the Iron Pot Vineyard in Rowella in the Tamar Valley in the north of the state. This is tank fermented, crisp, delicious, vibrantly fruity and best enjoyed well chilled with a picnic on the beach or on a riverbank. It is unfined, unfiltered and full of the joys of youth. $35.  https://www.mewstonewines.com.au