Holyman 2024 Pinot Noir

 

If you are looking for a light, fun and frivolous pinot noir then you have come to the wrong place. This is a powerful, assertive pinot that has much in common with its rucking and rolling cousins from Central Otago, Even at just 12% alcohol this is a rollicking good time in a glass and it could well be considered as a cellaring prospect if you are that way inclined. Made from grapes grown on 39-year-old unirrigated vines in the Holyman family's estate vineyards in the Tamar Valley, and matured in new and newish) French oak. Pair with duck and game dishes for maximum pleasure potential. $65. https://www.stoneyrise.com/ 

Holm Oak 2024 The Wizard Chardonnay

 

Yet another cracking wine from family business Holm Oak in the Tamar Valley - this one is their flagship chardonnay. Richer and riper than many Tasmanian chardonnays - thanks to a warm vintage - this still has cool-climate style and balance with stone fruit flavours to the fore, along with impressive complexity on the palate, which makes it very food friendly. Wild ferment, malo and quality French oak all play key roles here and there is enough length and weight for winemaker Bec Duffy to recommend pairing it with local crayfish. It would also match well with salt and pepper squid, or Portuguese roast chicken. $65. https://holmoakvineyards.com.au/ 

Hughes & Hughes 2025 Rosé

 

Here is a perfect choice for al fresco fun over summer. A blend of grapes from the Coal River and Derwent valleys in southern Tasmania crafted by brothers Jonny and Matthew Hughes, who make estate wines under the Mewstone label - their vineyard base on the banks of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel - and wines made from grower fruit under Hughes & Hughes. I loved the vibrancy of this one - perfect for enjoying with a picnic, or when eating food by the campfire. It is a blend of shiraz and tempranillo fruit with a dash of riesling that is refreshing, savoury and gently spicy. It was barrel fermented, went through malo and was matured in stainless steel. Serve chilled, but not too chilled, for maximum enjoyment. $35. https://www.mewstonewines.com.au/hugheshughes-wines

Wickhams Road 2025 Tasmania Pinot Noir

 

A Tasmanian pinot noir for under $20? Surely you jest? This is a really good buy: a vibrant young pinot “from a vineyard outside Launceston” that is the result of Hoddles Creek winemaker Franco d’Anna snapping up some excess fruit at a bargain price - something we may see more of with increased plantings coming online in the island state. This bright, vivacious and immediately appealing pinot has aromas of ripe strawberries and some spicy notes, while the palate has berry compote fruit notes and some impressive structure. Fruit driven with some old oak influence; spent some time on skins and is unfined and unfiltered. One for enjoying over the short term, but a seriously good buy for $20. https://www.hoddlescreekestate.com.au/collections/all/products/wickhams-rd-tasmania-pinot-noir

Stargazer 2024 Rada

 

Samantha Connew's Stargazer wines are excellent across the board, but there is a real energy and crunchy drive to this unusual red blend from the Coal River Valley. It combines three aromatic varieties in pinot meunier, pinot noir and gamay, and offers delightful lighter-bodied drinking. Think red fruits (cherries and cranberries), subtle spices and hints of earthiness. There is bright natural acid here with a small portion of whole bunch and older oak adding to the package. Food friendly and ready to enjoy - and very well priced at $38. You could chill this for a few minutes on a warm day. https://stargazerwine.com.au/

Spring Vale 2025 Melrose Pinot Noir

 

If you enjoy your pinot noir on the fresh, bright and breezy side of the spectrum then this new release from family-owned Spring Vale on the east coast of Tasmania will be right up your laneway. It is aromatic, lively, juicy and gloriously drinkable with red fruit flavours the driving force behind a “drink now” style with minimal, if any, oak influence. We paired this with thinly-sliced steak and onions for a no fuss midweek treat. Great value, too, with an RRP of $32. https://www.springvalewines.com/ 

Holm Oak 2023 Shiraz

Shiraz from Tasmania? Yes. And a very good one, too. It certainly found favour with the members of one of my tasting groups last week. You won't confuse this with any of its blockbuster cousins from McLaren Vale or the Barossa: it is a very different beast with red fruit flavours to the fore, along with attractive pepper/spice elements that shine in well composed cooler-climate shirazes. This is from a family winery in the Tamar Valley and reminds me of an old armchair, soft, plush and comfortable. It is medium-bodied, ready to enjoy in its youth paired with anything from beef sausages to a Sunday roast. $50. https://holmoakvineyards.com.au/