2011 Stefano Lubiana Prestige Sparkling, Derwent Valley

2026 Sparkling Wine of the Year. DB writes: 60/40% chardonnay/pinot noir, disgorged October '23 with a whopping 11 years on lees. So harmonious and complete with tones of citrus, sea spray, crushed shells, dried shiitake, pipe tobacco, Kalamata olive, fresh pastries and toast. Bone-dry and beautifully focused, it travels on rails of crystalline Tasmanian acidity with a 'sucking on a river pebble' savoury aspect and a finish that shows remarkable sustain and harmony. Just superb.

98 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Stefano Lubiana Wines exude Tasmania in its purest form – from its soil to your family table. Their environmentally holistic practices and care for their low-cropping Derwent River estate follows through to the winery with minimal intervention meeting modern techniques. The resulting wines are world class quality, to be enjoyed with hearty food and good company.

The first vintage of the Prestige was the 1995 vintage, followed by the 1999 vintage, and now this 2011 Prestige is the 3rd iteration of this wine. The Prestige is a small production wine only made in the most exceptional years. The Prestige cuvee is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The Prestige spends 12 years on lees, promoting complexity and texture before being riddled and disgorged. Before release the wine spends over a year on cork.

This methode traditionnelle sparkling wine has a fine bead and golden honey hue. The wine shows rich notes of brioche, dark manuka honey and marzipan on first look with a backdrop of peach, lemon and salted pistachio. On the palate the richer notes on the nose from the time on lees is backed up with a honeycomb, cheese rind, roasted hazelnut and baked apple. The finish is long and delectable, deliciously intense and ready to be enjoyed!