Spring Vale 2022 Pinot Gris

 

Pinot gris from Tasmania is often under-rated because the Apple Isle produces so many stellar bubbles, pinots noir and chardonnays. This new release is right in the zone between the gris and grigio styles with Spring Vale having toned back on ripeness and upped freshness. This fifth-generation family operation is located at Cranbrook on the Freycinet Coast and is well worth a visit with its atmospheric cellar door. Think pear and citrus aromas leading on to a palate with plenty of depth - thanks to maturation on lees - but also some lively fruit on the finish. Pair with local seafood, or a chicken schnitzel. $34. www.springvalewines.com/

Freycinet Vineyard 2022 Schönburger Riesling

 

Claudio Radenti and his talented team at Freycinet Estate on Tasmania's east coast make a number of wines more serious than this one; but few that are as much fun for immediate drinking pleasure, This unusual blend screams "chill me, drink me" over the summer period. The schönburger grape is a hybrid developed in Germany that has found a home in Tasmania and it makes for a happy marriage when blended with riesling; adding tropical fruit notes to the citrus and acidity of the riesling. The blend is 55% schönburger and 45% riesling and it finishes crisp acid with touch of residual sugar. Pair with Thai, or Korean, dishes, or perhaps fish and chips. Value with a capital V for $28. http://freycinetvineyard.com.au/

Pepperjack 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

 

Here's a bit of an oddity, but I liked this wine a lot at this week's Treasury Wine Estates tasting. Pepperjack is a Barossa-based blend that is - rather bewilderingly - spreading its tentacles far and wide. This is a blend of 60% Tasmanian fruit from White Hills in the north of the state and 40% from the Limestone Coast in South Australia. The surprise is that it works so well. Think generous aromatics and gooseberry/grapefruit/fresh herb notes, along with very zippy acidity on the finish. It is a vibrant, textural (perhaps thanks to 2% of the fruit seeing oak treatment) wine for immediate summer enjoyment, perhaps paired with shellfish, or fish and chips. $25. https://www.pepperjack.com.au/  

Kate Hill 2020 Huon Valley Pinot Noir

I may be biased about this wine because I have done several shifts at Kate Hill's cellar door during the pandemic, but this shines as a superb example of cool-climate pinot noir from one of the southernmost - and coolest - parts of Tasmania. It has proven a hit with tasters since being released a few weeks ago and has delightful varietal character along with with a smooth, elegant finish. The balance between raspberry fruit notes, French oak and savoury/undergrowth flavours and textures is impressive. Made in small batches and I suspect this will sell out rapidly given the cellar door response. $60. www.katehillwines.com.au.  

Bangor Vineyard 2022 Maria Rosé

Bangor Shed is one of Tasmania's most beguiling vineyard destinations - open seven days a week for lunch and tastings and offering superb views. It is only a 45-minute drive from Hobart and the vines are now over a decade old , producing some quality fruit. I tried two new 2022 releases this week, a pinot gris and this rosé, both of which shone. Made from 100% pinot noir, this was partially aged in barrel on lees, giving the wine a soft and creamy texture alongside its appealing red berry freshness. A versatile choice, this could be enjoyed on the deck after work, or with a wide range of food styles. We enjoyed it with a lightly spiced Massaman beef dish. $40. https://bangorshed.com.au/ 

Holm Oak 2022 Riesling

 

I found it really hard to decide whether to review this new release or the excellent 2021 Holm Oak Pinot Noir. In the end I opted for this because everyone knows about the quality of Tasmanian pinot noir but quality riesling from the island state remains far less well known. This is a stellar example of cool-climate riesling from husband and wife team Tim and Bec Duffy at Holm Oak in the Tamar Valley. Thank fresh floral aromas, bright, crunchy acidity and vibrant lemon/lime fruit notes with delightful minerality. A lovely food wine for only $30. www.holmoakvineyards.com.au/

Dr Edge 2021 Chardonnay

 

It is a foolish rookie error to leave it a few weeks before reviewing any Dr Edge wine release. Peter Dredge's wines have a cult following and this one is sold out - according to the website - although you may be lucky enough to find some in retail stores. Dredge is probably best known for pinot noir and riesling, but this blend of fruit from both ends of Tasmania soars and swirls with a palette of flavours and textures, while remaining resolutely varietal. Using Tamar and Derwent Valley fruit, it was pressed to old casks and then barrel fermented in there before being aged for nine months. This is a wonderfully athletic and energetic wine with citrus fruit, minerality and structure. Very impressive. $65. https://www.dr-edge.com/