Tasting notes
↓ TAMAR RIDGE RIESLING 2016 / $28
Founded by Josef Chromy and now owned by Brown Brothers, this is a label that’s going places. The wines offer great value, with this riesling benefiting from a little bottle age. The citrus perfume is backed by delicious lemon sorbet flavours and a refreshing acidity. Perfect with whitebait fritters.
↓ HOLYMAN PINOT NOIR 2016 / $56
Joe Holyman grew up in Tassie, fleeing to the mainland for cricket, food and wine before settling in the Tamar Valley. He pushes the boundaries with great success. This drop oozes dark cherry, damson plum and wild herbs. The palate is energetic, with gently persuasive tannins. Team it with duck in all its guises.
↓ JOSEF CHROMY PEPIK PINOT NOIR 2016 / $25
Chromy’s childhood nickname, Pepik, is attached to this amazingly good-value pinot noir. Winemaker Jeremy Dineen has crafted a light, bright red with strawberry and cherry aromas, a succulent palate and a gentle finish. Serve it slightly chilled with salmon and sweet potato fishcakes.
↓ CLOVER HILL CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE BLANC DE BLANCS 2010 / $60
Taltarni was one of the first mainland brands to plant bespoke sparkling vineyards near Launceston. This wine is the epitome of the style. Lime blossom perfume mingles with warm toast and marzipan. Try it with Barilla Bay oysters.
↓ BAY OF FIRES CHARDONNAY 2016 / $52
Hardys is another mainland winemaker committed to Tasmania with Arras sparklings and the Bay of Fires brand. White peach, pink grapefruit and a whiff of honey precede a palate that’s intense yet agile, with stone fruit, ripe melon and a bright acid finish. Pair it with pan-fried Spring Bay scallops.