Tasting notes: Craigie Knowe (Tas)
The first vineyard planted on Tasmania's East Coast
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Craigie Knowe Riesling [©Craigie Knowe Vineyard]
Craigie Knowe is the oldest vineyard on the spectacular East Coast of Tasmania with vines planted in 1979 by John Austwick. John quickly built a reputation as an exceptional winemaker, one which is being being built on by new owners, the Travers family,
The property's history goes back much further that the '70s with the homestead and outbuildings being built in the 1830's by the first settlers in the area, relatives of whom are still Craigie Knowe neighbours!
All the original varieties planted (cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and petite verdot, pinot noir and riesling) are maintained onsite with an extra small vineyard being leased to grow pinot gris, chardonnay and more pinot noir for the White Label range.
The rustic cellar door is a must-visit on any east coast and is where you can taste the range of wines which includes:
2016 Cragie Knowe Estate Label Riesling
Aromas of citrus blossom and kaffir lime leaf, with a refreshingly crisp, dry and clean finish.
Fantastic drinking now or great cellaring potential 20+ years.
Food match: oysters and riesling – a match made in heaven!
Awards: Elite Gold Medal at the Canberra International Riesling Challenge 2016
RRP A$28 direct from vineyard (or $23.80 for wine club members)
2016 Cragie Knowe White Label Pinot Gris
The pinot gris features notes of banana, pear, apples and a hint of spice with a slightly dry finish. The winemaker describes this wine as a real fruit bomb. A vibrant and memorable wine perfect to share with friends on any occasion
Awards: Bronze Medal at Australian Cool Climate Wine Show
Food match: a perfect match with spicy Asian foods
Alc/vol:
RRP A$28 direct from vineyard (or $23.80 for wine club members)
2016 Cragie Knowe Estate Label Chardonnay
Hand picked at optimal ripeness then fermented in old French oak barrels to add texture. Your palate may notice apples, peach and lime along with some minerality. A beautiful drink-now wine, with potential to cellar to further develop flavours and complexity.
Food match: slow cooked pork belly and chardonnay – what a match!
RRP A$30 direct from vineyard (or $25.50 for wine club members)
2016 Cragie Knowe White Label Rose
This wine showcases the versatility of the pinot noir grape. Made from a single pinot noir clone and only left on skins for 3 hours prior to pressing gives the beautiful blush colour. The wine is refreshingly light and dry, with a long lingering finish of strawberry, cherry and raspberry. Serve chilled
Food match: great paired with prawns on the barbeque.
RRP A$25 direct from vineyard (or $21.25 for wine club members)
2017 Cragie Knowe White Label Pinot Noir
This wine was fermented in open fermenters with occasional hand plunging, and a short time in French oak barrels, giving subtle hints of dark
chocolate, cherry and spice. A great drink now wine.
Food match: Pinot noir and any roast game meats are a real treat.
RRP A$28 direct from vineyard (or $23.80 for wine club members)
2016 Cragie Knowe Estate Pinot Noir
Dark crimson in colour, it excites the nose with rich berry fruits and minty dark chocolate. A great velvety texture and palate of raspberry and spice, the highly seductive flavours will continue to intensify after some time in the cellar.
Food match: to delight your senses, roast lamb with mint sauce and pinot noir is exceptional.
RRP A$40 direct from vineyard (or $34.00 for wine club members)
Regions
- East Coast (TAS)
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