It is fascinating to follow the grapes from the individual vineyards to wines that really are unique. Because of Tasmania’s hilly terrain, particularly in the south, vineyards even when close have their own micro-climate. We have vineyards that are only a couple of hundred metres apart, but their wines are quite different. We never blend the wines, so we capitalise on the opportunity to maintain this individuality.
Whilst our wine list is continually changing (yes they mature at different rates too), normally there are 3 or 4 Pinot Noirs, a couple of Chardonnays, Rieslings, Muller Thurgau and of course Malbec/Merlot.
|
|
Wines Available
White Wines
2008 Muller Thurgau Riesling
Muller Thurgau is a European grape variety thought to be a cross of Sylvaner and Riesling. Recent research indicates it probably is in fact a Riesling Chasselas cross. Very little is grown in Australia and in many ways it is an under-rated variety.
The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Heron’s Rise vineyard in the Channel area south of Hobart.
When as dry as this wine is, the grapes display a citrus/ melon characteristic and hence are very refreshing. It is excellent as an aperitif or accompanying fish or delicate white meats, in fact it is a very good alternative to varieties such as Pinot Gris.
Alcohol is 12% v/v
$16.95 a bottle; $190 per doz
|
|
|
2009 Riesling
The grapes for this wine come from Orford on the east coast of Tasmania. The purpose of the Riesling was to make a wine in the style of the classic dry Rieslings of the 60s and 70s, typified by Clare and Eden Valley.
Tasmania’s cool climate and the grapes' long ripening period (they were picked on the 23rd April) have accentuated the classic citrus and spice bouquets which make these wines so appealing. It is bone dry and will mature for many years.
Alcohol is 12.8%
Very limited supply
$19.95 a bottle $225 per doz
|
|
Red Wines
2008 Heron's Rise Pinot Noir
A single vineyard wine from Southern Tasmania; the vineyard unusually for Tasmania is quite mature at 25-years-old.
Our philosophy in making Pinots is to make the heavier, darker style, usually with the alcohol hovering around the 14% mark; new wood ( usually Allier barriques) is used for about half the wine; one-year-old wood is used for the other half. Fermentation takes place at relatively high temperatures (36 degrees) and then basket pressed, the result being a fabulously dark rich burgundy colour
The nose has that intriguing blend of cherries and strawberries, all enhanced by the oak.
Whilst our wines are unashamedly made to mature for quite a few years, this one is quite approachable now.
Alcohol 14.4% v/v.
$27.50 a bottle $310 per doz
|
|
|
2008 Oyster Cove Pinot Noir
A single vineyard wine from Southern Tasmania, but in this case a very low yielding and the intense quality shows.
Whilst made in a similar fashion to the Heron's Rise - with the exception of using different oak, the end result is an intensely dark red, almost black wine. You can’t miss the maraschino cherries on the nose and palate. Basket pressed, no fining and a very light filtering has made a wine that will live for years.
If you want to experience a very different Pinot (especially in weight and colour) this is one to try.
Alcohol is 14.6% v/v
Unfortunately very limited supply
$29.95 a bottle $340 per doz
|
|
|
2008 Malbec Merlot
This somewhat unusual blend is from our own vineyard.
The rationale behind the blend besides really liking these two varieties) was to produce a wine with up-front dramatic flavours and a wine of considerable length. But in doing so keeping the alcohol at an easily approachable level ( in this case 12.5% v/v).
We have found this to be a real challenge in Tasmania, in fact if the wine is not of excellent quality we don’t release it; for example the last release of this wine was 2005.
Like all our wines it was basket pressed, but also had no fining, nor was it filtered. Maturation took place in new oak (Allier) for 18 months.
I must admit it is a wine I’m proud of.
$32.50 per bottle $380 per doz
Freight to most of Australia is $20 per case, but for 3 cases and over it is free!
|
|
|
|
