When I worked in a bottle shop a few years ago, Dalrymple had some of the worst labels on the shelf. Wine was good inside, yet always a struggle to sell. Move forward in time and Dalrymple is now part of the Hill Smith Family Vineyards stable (which includes the iconic Yalumba). Sauvignon Blanc can be hit and miss in Tasmania, but there’s no denying the acidity that is omnipresent. The Pipers River region is in North East Tasmania and the vigneron is the affable Pete Caldwell.

Dalrymple, Sauvignon Blanc, Pipers River, 2018

Pale lemon/gold. Pungent varietal aromas. Strong lines of capsicum, passion fruit pulp, fresh asparagus spears along with buttery lemon cream and some enjoyable flinty reductive elements. Tense and tight with an undercurrent of nervous energy thanks to that Tassie acidity. Fruit runs through light tropicals to Tahitian lime citrus. Flavour lasts long. A bright example of the variety.

RRP: $30
Alc: 13%
Rating: 18/20

Wine sample courtesy of Dalrymple