Bay of Fires 2019 Pinot Noir

 

Penny Jones and her team at Bay of Fires never put a foot wrong when it comes to producing quality cool-climate wines from Tasmania. This recent-release pinot noir is made from fruit grown at three vineyards on the warmer east coast of the island state, blended with grapes from the Tamar Valley. This a very modern wine; red berry fruits to the fore with a hint of Asian spice notes, plenty of palate length and a soft, savoury finish. This has matured since I reviewed it a few months back for my Tasmanian blog. It can be lightly chilled over summer, or just enjoyed on the back porch with a charcuterie plate. Lovely stuff. $62. www.bayoffireswines.com.au/  

Gala Estate 2020 White Label Chardonnay

 

Gala Estate is one of the rising stars of the Tasmanian wine industry with recent releases very much on song. This is a delightful cool-climate chardonnay made from fruit grown on the sunny east coast. The family behind the label may be relatively new to the wine business, but they have farmed in Tasmania for 200 years. This has classic green apple, stone fruit and citrus flavours and some lively refreshing acidity. Pair with pan-fried flathead. $35. www.galaestate.com.au.        

Oakridge 2020 Over The Shoulder Cabernet Merlot

 

The Yarra Valley is probably not the first place you would look for an affordable high-quality cabernet merlot blend, but this vibrant and fresh young release from David Bicknell and the team at Oakridge defies expectations to deliver a whole lot of bang for your buck. This is 82% cabernet, 18% merlot from three different regions of the Yarra. A long, cool ripening period has helped construct a purple-hued, juicy cool-climate red with plenty of length and verve. Subtle, food friendly and great value for money. $24. www.oakridgewines.com.au   

Moss Wood 2020 Semillon

 

Moss Wood have been making wines in Margaret River since the industry began in the region - planting their first vines in Wilyabrup in 1969. This has a real wow! factor about it, with incredible depth of flavour. While many in the region blend semillon with sauvignon blanc, this is made in the Hunter style; 100% semillon, clear juice with multiple yeasts, unoaked and bottled after cold fermentation. It has white stone fruit flavours and Granny Smith apple notes to the fore with some Thai spice nuances and impressive textural elements. Brilliant with seafood or spicy cuisine. $36. www.mosswood.com.au