Small Wonder 2023 Auburn Pinot Noir

Tasmania is arguably Australia's best source of quality cool-climate pinot noir with Small Wonder, previously known as Goaty Hill, among the most consistent producers. The wines are made by Andrew Trio, and this, and its sibling chardonnay, mark the first new label released by Small Wonder since the opening of its new winery in Kayena on the western ridge of the Tamar Valley in January. A vineyard en route to organic certification has produced a wine that is both stylish and savoury, thanks to some astutely judged use of French oak. An excellent example of quality Tassie pinot. $52. www.smallwonderwines.com.au

Westella 2023 Pinot Noir

 

Westella is the side hustle of well-known Tasmanian wine identity Willy Adkins and his wife Jacq. They grow pinot noir, and only pinot, at their small family vineyard at Rowella at the northern end of the Tamar Valley, producing sparkling wines, rosé and this very impressive table pinot that is singing in its youth. It is beautifully poised, impressively balanced and definitely varietal. So think quality cool-climate pinot at optimum ripeness. Three different clones are co-fermented and given a short time in French oak barriques. This paired impressively with rabbit cacciatore and is great value at around $45. https://westellavineyard.com.au/     

Puddleduck 2024 Fumé Blanc

 

Darren and Jackie Brown started Puddleduck with a focus on sparkling wine (Bubbleduck) back in 2003 but now produce a full suite of table wines, nearly all of which are sold direct from their popular cellar door in the Coal River Valley just outside Hobart. This is a lovely choice for serving chilled on a summer day, a refreshing, nuanced fumé style that saw estate-grown sauvignon blanc grapes matured for six months in older French oak to add texture without detracting from the bright fruit. There is impressive vibrancy on offer here with lashings of tropical fruit flavours. Pair with a picnic, or fish and chips. $45. https://www.puddleduck.com.au/   

Pressing Matters 2024 Pinot Noir Rosé

Here is a delicious wine for spring and summer from a Tasmanian producer with two estate vineyard sites and a total of 12 hectares just outside Richmond in the Coal River Valley. The Melick family has built a formidable reputation for both its rieslings and pinot noirs. This is a rosé with real vibrancy and crunchy lift made from 100% estate pinot noir grapes. Pale and aromatic with wild strawberry/rose petal notes on the nose, the palate has grapefruit, green apple and pomegranate zing. Plenty of length here; plenty of appeal. Serve lightly chilled. $43. https://pressingmatters.com.au/

Stargazer 2023 Palisander Riesling

 

Not only is this one of the most fascinating rieslings in Australia, it is also one of the most delicious. So much palate interest, so much drinkability. Made from grapes grown on winemaker Sam Connew's Palisander estate vineyard north of Hobart, this was fermented in ceramic and concrete eggs and then left on lees for 10 months. The result is delightfully herbal, floral and dry with citrus, sherbet and lightly spicy purity on the palate. It is a wine full of drive and energy with bright acidity and hints of sea spray on the finish. Pair with Vietnamese spring rolls, or a fresh green salad. $50. https://stargazerwine.com.au/ 

Delamere 2024 Flyleaf Pinot Gris

 

Delamere duo Fran Austin and Shane Holloway produce some of Tasmania's most-acclaimed wines; from setellar sparklers to high-end table wines. What is less well known is that they also have a "value" range, Flyleaf, made from grower fruit sourced from around the state that offers a taste of the island state at an accessible price point. This new release is a case in point, It's fresh and vibrant, textural, unoaked, food-friendly and ready for immediate enjoyment with its pear/ginger/citrus elements and bright acidity more akin to grigio. A lovely bright wine for summer quaffing. $40. https://www.delamerevineyards.com.au/    

42 South 2024 Pinot Noir

 

If you like your pinots young, fresh and vibrant and ready for immediate enjoyment you've come to the right place.  This entry level wines from Frogmore Creek winemaker Alain Rousseau offer a whole lot of bang for your buck. A brand-new release made from estate-grown Coal River Valley fruit, this is perfect for enjoying lightly chilled on a spring day. It is fresh and vibrant with classic cool-climate pinot characters; nicely poised with red cherry flavours to the fore and there is no need top cellar this - it is probably best enjoyed in its youth with a salumi platter, or a picnic. $32.  https://www.frogmorecreek.com.au/