2021 Meadowbank Blanc de Noirs, Tasmania

Sparkling wine, Champagne and the like, I’m kind of reticent to review. I think I do a passable job, though it’s not exactly my forte. Anyway, Tasmania definitely makes some good sparkling wines. This gets three years in bottle, then a modest dosage of 3g/L. Strawberry shortcake, marzipan, salted dough, a mint and white flower perfume. It has flavour, red fruits and tangerine, crisp acidity with a lively tickle of bubbles, a salty nutty character, with a finish that’s kind of bold, but also long and savoury. I like it. Complex and good to drink.

94 points Gary Walsh The Wine Front

Meadowbank has become one of Tasmania’s quiet benchmark producers, crafting wines that capture the island’s cool climate purity and remarkable natural acidity. Founded by the late Peter Dredge in the Derwent Valley, the estate helped redefine what Tasmanian sparkling wine could be, favouring elegance, texture and site expression over heavy winemaking. The Blanc de Noirs is sourced entirely from Pinot Noir, delivering a style that balances richness and tension with beautiful precision.

The 2021 vintage is refined, vibrant and wonderfully detailed. Aromas of wild strawberry, red apple and citrus peel rise from the glass alongside toasted brioche, roasted nuts and hints of chalky minerality. The palate feels creamy yet focused, with an exceptionally fine mousse carrying layers of red berry fruit, lemon curd and subtle savoury complexity across the tongue. There is lovely freshness throughout, with bright acidity giving the wine energy and length without ever feeling sharp or lean.

This is sparkling wine that absolutely shines at the table. Fresh oysters, lobster rolls or crispy fried calamari would all be sensational pairings. It would also work beautifully with roast chicken, triple cream cheeses or smoked salmon blinis shared among friends. As the wine warms slightly in the glass, more nutty and brioche like complexity begins to emerge, making it every bit as enjoyable for slow evenings as it is for celebrations.