Two Bud Spur 2020 Pinot Noir

Here’s a mature Tasmanian pinot noir from the deep south that delivers some delicious cool-climate characters. There is depth of flavour here, but also a silky smooth finish. It is not often you find a five-year-old current release pinot, and this one is drinking particularly well. The Two Bud Spur vineyard is located at Gardners Bay, outside Cygnet, in the ultra-cool Huon Valley. It is operated by Craig Mundy and Karen Miller, a pair of marine biologists who bought the vineyard in 2006 and have since built their own winery and cellar door (open seasonally). The fruit was open vat fermented in small batches and spent 12 months in French oak barrels (50% new) and 12 months in stainless steel, Impressive - and made in tiny quantities. $45. https://twobudspur.com.au/

Penfolds 2024 Bin 311 Chardonnay

 

This one of the affordable stars of the new-release Penfolds Collection 2025, which hit the stores this week. It is a tribute to the quality of cool-climate chardonnay grapes from Tasmania that they play a key role in this outstanding multi-regional chardonnay blend, along with fruit from the Adelaide Hills and Tumbarumba in NSW. This is a confident chardonnay with a some strut and swagger about it. It is a poised, composed wine with lovely balance between citrus/white peach flavours, minerality and astutely judged new and seasoned oak, which provides backbone without detracting from the fruit. There is purity and precision in abundance. A very good year; a very fine wine. 95/1000 from me. $55. www.penfolds.com.

Charles Reuben Estate 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

You don’t find too many cabernet sauvignons from Tasmania. Other than a few specific micro climates it is just too cool for the variety to be consistently successful. Family-owned Charles Reuben Estate in the Coal River Valley is a notable exception - and has the benefit of Nick Glaetzer as consultant winemaker. This has violets on the nose and is definitely on the elegant side of the cabernet ledger. The cabernet vines date back to the 1980s. Forceful violet aromas lead on to classic Bordeaux varietal characters with cassis, herbal and spice notes aided and abetted by 18 months in French oak. Just 12.5% alcohol but plenty of flavour, bright acid and a smooth finish. Pair with a cheese platter or lamb roast. $39. www.charlesreuben.com.au