Holm Oak 2025 Riesling

Tasmania gets a lot of attention for its stellar sparkling wines, as well as world-class chardonnays and pinots noir. What is often overlooked is that riesling can also thrive in the cool climes, much as it does in the Canberra region. This is a stellar cool-climate offering from a family-owned and -operated vineyard in the Tamar Valley in the north of the state. It is impressively floral with tangy citrus characters playing the lead role. There is plenty of lively acid on hand and this finishes dry with lots of length. We paired it with a hearty Toad in the Hole with braised leek, but it would also work well with seafood and poultry dishes. Very well priced at $32. www.holmoakvineyards.com.au.      

Holm Oak 2021 Hotshot Pinot Noir

 

A rather bland label disguises the flagship pinot noir from family-owned Tamar Valley winery Holm Oak. At four years of age, this has developed in to a lovely wine that combines power and poise in the style of Central Otago. Made from small batches of estate fruit and produced only in outstanding vintages, this has impressive structure thanks to the use of whole bunch material. The fruit was basket pressed and matured in French oak (50% new) for 14 months. The end result: complexity and style and a balance between dark red fruits, deli and undergrowth notes, allied to that intense concentration. $130. https://www.holmoakvineyards.com.au/ 

Westella Vineyard 2021 Sparkling Rosé

 

Westella is a small operation at the northern end of the Tamar Valley where the Adkins family concentrates exclusively on one grape: pinot noir, albeit made in a range of styles. This sample was supplied by Wine Tasmania and pronounced a hit by my tasting group. Pale salmon in colour it is a lively little number with wild strawberry and poached pear characters on the palate, a playful mousse and fresh, lively acidity. This spent 2 1/2 years on lees before emerging with coqeuettish appeal. A fun and versatile aperitif style. $46. https://westellavineyard.com.au/