2017 Claypot Wines Taurian Friulano, Tamar Valley

Same vinification as the '16 - 200 days on skins and so forth - but with other varieties included friulano 66%, riesling 22% and 12% chardonnay, all from the Tamar Valley. This is a thrilling wine. Pale-straw with excellent clarity; it's heady with fennel and white pepper, preserved lemons and a savouriness that's hard to pinpoint. Very complex yet moreish with perfectly poised phenolics that add to the shape and feel of this wine. Bravo.

96 points Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion

Claypot Wines is the project of renowned Tasmanian winemaker Andrew Pirie, one of the pioneers who helped establish Tasmania's reputation as one of the world's great cool climate wine regions. Never afraid to champion lesser known varieties, Pirie has long believed that Tasmania's climate can produce compelling interpretations of classic European grapes.

Taurian Friulano pays tribute to the famous white wines of Friuli in northeast Italy, with fruit sourced from carefully selected sites in the Tamar Valley. Tasmania's long growing season and cool nights preserve freshness and aromatic detail, while allowing the variety to develop texture and complexity without sacrificing elegance.

The colour is a bright pale straw with glints of gold. Aromas of pear, white peach and lemon zest are joined by hints of almond, wild herbs and white flowers. The palate is textural and savoury, carrying flavours of orchard fruits and citrus over a gentle nutty character that is typical of Friulano. Fresh acidity and a subtle mineral edge bring energy and length, while the finish remains dry, saline and wonderfully food friendly.

An excellent partner for grilled calamari, seafood risotto, zucchini fritters with herbs, prosciutto wrapped melon or a simple plate of white anchovies and crusty bread. Drinking beautifully now and over the next three to five years while its freshness and texture remain in perfect balance.