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 

Henskens Rankin 2019 Brut Rosé

 

Frieda Henskens and David Rankin craft tiny batches of outstanding sparkling wines in a former apple shed in the Huon Valley, They source small amounts of fruit from some of the best vineyards in Tasmania and only release their wines when they have reached their peak. Only 900 bottles of this sublime brut rosé were made from a multi-regional blend of 69% chardonnay and 31% pinot noir, so speed might be of the essence if you are tempted. This stylish and sophisticated wine would certainly be an impressive choice for toasting the new year. Berry and tropical fruit flavours canoodle with toasty/brioche notes on a palate that finishes with fresh saline acidity. Very impressive. $105. https://henskensrankin.com/  

Two Bud Spur 2022 Gewurztraminer

Gewürztraminer is white grape variety popular in Alsace and Germany for its texture and spicy notes. It thrives in cooler climates but remains something of a rarity in Australia, even in chilly Tasmania. This rare small-batch example comes from estate-grown grapes from Two Bud Spur, a small vineyard at Gardners Bay in the far south of the state. It is a dry wine - which would be perfect paired with dishes like turkey biriyani smoked cod kedgeree. It has aromas of roses and tropical fruits, with spicy, musky notes on the palate. The fruit spent a short time on skins before a slow ferment. It has been aged on lees to add complexity and palate feel. Well worth a try. $45. https://twobudspur.com.au/

Small Wonder 2024 Landscape Chardonnay

 

Small Wonder is from the vineyard in the Tamar Valley that used to be called Goaty Hill - always a source of quality fruit. This is very smooth, stylish and sophisticated cool-climate chardonnay; a blend of New World swagger and Old World charm. It is a wine that has been picking up trophies on the international stage - and it's easy to see why. Whole-bunch pressing and wild ferment had added character to the cool-climate appeal. Think citrus, poise and delicious balance. Structure has been aided by quality French oak. Drink now, perhaps with pork spare ribs, or cellar short term $35. https://www.smallwonderwines.com.au/ 

Mumm Terroirs NV Tasmanian Brut Prestige

 

Leading sparkling winemaker Trina Smith has just released a range of southern hemisphere sparkling wines for Champagne House GH Mumm, a company with almost two centuries of experience. There are three New Zealand releases and this excellent Tasmanian iteration that my tasting group felt offered outstanding value for money. It is certainly very pleasing to find a sub-$40 Tasmanian bubbly. This pinot-led release has plenty of length and depth of flavour, but is also impressively vibrant and light on its feet. Excellent as an aperitif, but also very food friendly, it has freshness and acid vitality and would be a very good Aussie choice over the holidays. $38.

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/