Sinapius 2021 Grüner Veltliner

 

You can count on Linda Morice at Sinapius to produce wines of high quality with a point of difference - and this Tasmanian take on the classic Austrian white grape Grüner Veltliner is no exception. This is a delightfully food-friendly dry white from the Pipers River region in the far north of the state. It has been naturally fermented and matured in both large and small format oak. It underwent full malo, and is unfined and ulfiltered. Think melon aromas, pear, white pepper and river pebble notes on the palate, interesting texture and good length. This paired well with a vegetable curry. $38. https://sinapius.com.au/

Apogee 2019 Deluxe Vintage Rosé

 

There is just no stopping Tasmanian wine pioneer Andrew Pirie, who continues to produce outstanding wines from his tiny Apogee vineyard at Lebrina in northern Tasmania at an age when many of his contemporaries are tucked up in front of the fire with their slippers on. This is an outstanding example of cool-climate sparkling wines in the mode that has made the world sit up and take notice of Tasmanian bubbles. This is very floral, bone dry with an impressive mousse, expressive wild strawberry flavours on the very crisp palate with intense minerality along with impressive length. Lovely stuff. $75. www.apogeetasmania.com/  

Eddystone Point 2021 Pinot Gris

This is one of my favourite pinots gris from anywhere in Australia. If you enjoy your whites dry but with delightful sweet fruit then this might be right up your alley. A melange of pear, melon, peach and spice hints with plenty of length and vibrant acidity that has settled with a few months in bottle. This is ideal for post-work enjoyment or paired with poultry and vegetarian dishes. Lip-smackingly good. $32. www.eddystonepoint.com

Domaine A 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Here is a treat for lovers of red wines with serious age and complexity. This was made by Domaine A founder the late Peter Althaus from cabernet grapes grown on the unique "hotspot" Stoney Vineyard sight in the Coal River Valley. Althaus's passion was Bordeaux-style reds and this is a wine of intrigue with a serious point of difference. Very savoury with secondary characters coming into play. It has been released when it is considered to be at its peak by Domaine A's new custodians at Moorilla and needs to be treated with respect - and preferably matched with food. $110.  https://domaine-a.com.au/

Bay of Fires 2021 Riesling

 

Bay of Fires winemaker Penny Jones is one of Tasmania's most consistent producers of excellence; and riesling is perhaps the most under-rated grape variety on the cool Apple Isle, producing dry white wines of style and substance. A blend of handpicked fruit sourced from across the Tamar, Coal River and Derwent valleys, this is very pure and linear, with floral and citrus notes allied to brilliant minerality. Long, lovely and refreshing, it is an ideal partner for pan-fried flathead, or Bruny Island oysters. $46. www.bayoffireswines.com.au    

Stefano Lubiana 2021 Primavera Chardonnay

 

Biodynamic, organic, vegan-friendly and seriously delicious - this new-release Tasmanian chardonnay is made for immediate enjoyment, and is seriously seductive in its youth. It is blend of fruit from different blocks on the Lubiana family's Derwent Valley estate, just 30 minutes north of Hobart. The fruit melange has seen some fruit given Austrian and French oak treatment, and some that was stainless steel fermented. This offers both citrus and stone fruit notes and surprisingly complexity for such a youngster. Pair this with an old school roast chicken for a palate-pleasing pairing. $38. https://www.slw.com.au/

Trial Bay Estate 2020 Pinot Noir

 

This is the first vintage from Nick Kayes and his partner Saskia, the new owners of Trial Bay Estate, which is located at Kettering on the eastern shore of the d’Entrecasteaux Channel in southern Tasmania. It is a very pure wine from one of the best regions in the country for cool-climate pinot. Trial Bay Estate produces only pinot, with the original block of vines planted in 1997, with a second block of  planted in 2007. Organic practices are followed in the vineyard. From a cooler vintage this is vivacious and seriously slurpable with pure fruit characters and definite varietal character. Only 869 bottles were produced, so move quickly. $45. www.trialbayestate.com.au/