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Tolpuddle has for decades been one of Tasmania’s finest vineyards in the Coal River Valley, yet its fruits have never been bottled under its name until it was acquired by Shaw + Smith. This is it, for the first time, and I cannot recall an inaugural pinot noir release of such distinction from anywhere, ever. […]

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The fourth release of Eileen Hardy Pinot Noir is a tangy and firm style, built on solid tannins and tart acidity that call for considerable time to draw together. It has the integrity and structure to go the distance, layered with all the complexity of whole bunch fermentation with wild yeast, infusing it with exotic […]

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True grigio should be tangy and lively, and Ninth Island consistently nails the style at a better price than most. This refreshing, tangy apéritif captures the crunch and tang of cool vineyards in Tasmania’s north. Nashi pear, lemon and grapefruit are the themes, impeccably preserved through fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Perfect for summertime al […]

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Great value Tassie sauvignon (currently $15 at Dan’s). Lemon and lime zest and a hint of green pea are carried by the signature, taut acidity of East Coast and Lower Tamar vineyards.

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The line between grigio and gris is a fuzzy one, and this vibrant and elegant rendition from Tasmania’s Central North Coast falls on the grigio side for me. It’s water white in hue, fragrant and lively in its lemon blossom, crunchy pear and granny smith apple purity. A long, clean, energetic palate unites the crunch […]

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The purchase of the Coombend block immediately in front of the Freycinet vineyard presented the fruit for the estate’s first foray into sauvignon blanc this year. An impressive start, immediately taking the trophy for the best sauvignon in the Hobart Show. A gorgeous nose of lemon blossom, lime and passionfruit flows into a soft, supple […]

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This is a true pinot grigio, with more tang and verve than most even in Tasmania. It’s refreshing from start to finish, a pale straw hue with lively aromas and flavours of lemon zest, kaffir lime, nashi pear and granny smith apple. A hint of pepper provides intrigue, as do beautifully managed, finely structured phenolics, […]

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From Tamar Valley estate vineyards, there’s a dramatic contrast here between lemon blossom delicacy and toasted cashew nut oak, grapefruit and white peach generosity and taut, fine, energetic Tasmanian acidity. Another year in bottle will help it to find its harmony, and it has the stamina to go the distance, thanks to considerable persistence, even […]

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“Complex, richly textured,” proclaims the back label. Don’t believe a word of it. This is a refined and delicately poised pinot grigio masquerading as a gris, with pretty aromas and flavours of nashi pear, granny smith apple, kaffir lime and pepper. Cool, tightly honed Tasmanian acidity provides well-defined structure, enlivened by the finely textured mouth […]

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Backward, long and alluring, this is a sauvignon of considerable future in the cellar. Even at more than 18 months of age it retains impressive lift and focus of lemon blossom, citrus zest, blackcurrant and anise, laced together with cool, focused acidity and a finely textured, mineral mouth feel. Best price direct.

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