Resolution Vineyard 2021 Pinot Noir

From one of the tiniest vineyards in Tasmania - planted exclusively to pinot noir - comes one of the best-value boutique wines in the state. Resolution Vineyard owners Daniel and Caroline Lamont have had to increase prices due to rising costs, but this new vintage is another gem - well worth trying over the Open Vineyards Weekend. Resolution Vineyard is one of the southernmost vineyards in Australia and is closing in on 20 years since it was planted. This is an outstanding vintage that has lovely medium-bodied pinosity and is enjoyable in its youth while offering good cellaring prospects for a decade. Think dark cherry and berry notes and lovely balance at 13% alcohol. Resolution Vineyard is named after Captain Cooks HMS Resolution, which anchored nearby in 1777. $37. www.resolutionvineyard.com.au

Freycinet Vineyard 2020 Riesling

Tasmania is much under-rated as a source of top-notch dry riesling. Freycinet Vineyard, on the warmer east coast, is one of the state's most reliable quality producers and this certainly hits a bullseye when paired either with fresh local seafood or spicy Asian dishes. Young Tasmanian rieslings can be ultra-high in acid when young, and in my opinion are in "the zone" at around two years of age. This is floral and elegant with some lively fresh citrus notes, mineral hints and plenty of length on the palate. Top-notch summer drinking. There is still some of the 2020 vintage available in retail outlet. $32. http://freycinetvineyard.com.au/  

Stargazer 2021 Rada

 

Former Wirra Wirra and Tower Estate winemaker Samantha Connew is now firmly established in the Coal River Valley in Tasmania, where she is crafting a range of idiosyncratic and appealing wines. This is a wild-fermented blend of pinot noir and pinot meunier sourced from the Tamar Valley in the north and the Coal River in the south. It is vibrant and enticing and a perfect choice for a warm evening, perhaps slightly chilled. Juicy and crunchy with bright acidity on the palate, this would pair brilliantly with a gourmet pizza. Love the label artwork from Kate Pietukowski. $35. www.stargazerwine.com.au 

Russell & Suitor 2021 Sun of a Bull Sauvignon Blanc

 

There is an impressively high refreshment index to this delightfully vibrant new release from winemaker Alex Russell. The Son of Bull range includes a similarly high-speed riesling as a co-conspirator. This is very much on the tropical fruit/citrus side of the savvy spectrum and all the better for that as it finishes dry with crunchy acidity. Russell splits his winemaking talents between the warm Riverland of South Australian and cool-climate Tasmania and the fruit here was sourced from coastal Pipers River. Give this a nice chill and pair with seafood or beach picnic. Great value for $29. www.russellandsuitor.com.au/ 

Stefano Lubiana 2019 Collina Chardonnay

 

From one of the most beautiful vineyards in Tasmania, from a grower who is meticulous in his vineyard and also a winemaker of great skill comes a cool-climate estate chardonnay from a hillside location that is dignified, elegant and beautifully balanced. OK, there are the hipster inputs of compost teas, natural minerals and plant-based preparations, but the end result is a studious chardonnay with mineral and malo characters that would be best enjoyed lightly chilled with a poultry dish, or cellared for a year or two. Steely, linear, biodynamic, organic, vegan-friendly and bloody delicious. Made in tiny quantities. Be quick or miss out. $100. https://www.slw.com.au/

Holm Oak 2021 Protege Chardonnay

 

This is a very strong contender for the accolade of best-value chardonnay in Tasmania. From husband and wife team Tim and Bec Duffy in the Tamar Valley, it delivers a whole lot of drinking pleasure at a very fair price. This is reminiscent of a quality quaffer from Macon or the Cote Chalonaise with impressive aromatics and a blend of citrus and stone fruit on the palate together with some zingy acid. Fermentation in old oak is barely noticeable - this is all about the fruit and youthful appeal. Perfect for summer imbibing. I'd snap some up now. This won't last long. $25. www.holmoakvineyards.com.au/

Freycinet Vineyard 2018 Louis Pinot Noir

At a time when many Tasmanian pinots with lesser pedigrees are fetching serious prices, this "junior" offering from Freycinet Vineyard offers excellent value. Designed for immediate pleasure, or short-term cellaring, this is drinking beautifully right now and has beguiling quaffability and lovely balance between bright red fruit and savoury characters. Maturation in mainly older French oak barriques has added interest and there is a delightful softness on the finish. I challenge you not to empty the bottle once you have opened this; a wine that winemaker Claudio Radenti says can be enjoyed with or without food. $40. www.freycinetvineyard.com.au