Two Hobart region wine producers attracted national attention when they won awards recently at the 2018 Young Gun of Wine (YGOW) awards, described as “one of the world’s most rigorous talent searches for young winemakers and new labels.”

The Winemakers’ Choice award, voted on by the 12 finalists, went to Gilli and Paul Lipscombe from Sailor Seeks Horse at Cradoc in the Huon Valley.

“It’s awesome. Your peers voting for your wines – nothing beats it,” Gilli said. The couple took over a dilapidated vineyard that had been planted in 2005 and then deserted. More than half the vines were dead when they bought it.

The best new act award went to Jonny Hughes from Mewstone Wines/Hughes & Hughes at Flowerpot in the d‘Entrecasteaux Channel, where he and his brother Matthew have planted 3.5 hectares of vines in a former cherry orchard. They also buy in some fruit.

“It’s great to get some affirmation for what we’re trying to do,” said Jonny of the two ranges of wines.

sailorseekshorse.com.au

mewstonewines.com.au

TASMANIAN WINES WORTH CHECKING OUT:

Hughes & Hughes 2017 Riesling

A floral, citrusy and downright delicious dry riesling that is a blend of fruit sourced from the Coal River and Derwent valleys. Only 2,500 bottles were made, so you might need to be quick to snap up some of this. $27.

Sailor Seeks Horse 2016 Pinot Noir

In just a couple of years the Sailor Seeks Horse pinots have gained cult status in Sydney and Melbourne. This is a beautifully structured pinot with great acid and intensity and some subtle earthy nuances. Serious but fun. $50.

Bream Creek 2016 Reserve Chardonnay

Made from fruit grown at a vineyard in Marion Bay that was planted way back in 1974, this has citrus and stone fruit flavours allied to spicy French oak, some buttery/savoury notes and excellent length. Stylish and sophisticated. $42.