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Pipers Tasmania

Pipers Brook has long been responsible for the excellent Kreglinger and exciting Ninth Island sparkling wines, and this cuvée slots neatly in between, in price, age and stature. Never have I seen it more impressively poised or seamlessly harmonious than the current disgorgement. It captures the lemon zest vibrancy of cool Tasmanian fruit and seamlessly melds it into a silky, creamy, textural palate by caressing it with long lees ageing and a small portion of French oak barrel fermentation. The result is layered with brioche, preserved lemon and honey, with taut acidity and honeyed dosage finding a comfortable synergy. $35 at Pinot Shop.