2025 Holm Oak Arneis, Tamar Valley

A wine with captivating interest, this Tassie Arneis from Holm Oak takes me back to my time in Piedmont six months ago. It's an excellent drink. A step up from the 2024 release, white-fleshed peaches, cut pear, golden apple and fresh apricots make a positive first impression along with almonds and fennel. Some apricot juice wriggles forward with pears and a neat honeysuckle twist. A creamy drive sits at the core with a nutty tempo keeping the rhythm. Beautiful drinking and a wine I'd confidently recommend for those who enjoy a white wine with some complexity. What a beauty!

95 points Steve Leszcyski QWine Reviews December 2025

It brings a smile to my dial to see a Tassie arneis! It's crunchy and savoury, and dangerously drinkable, with pure poached pear and citrus fruits, clover blossom, sea spray, lemon drop, meadow flowers, green apple sorbet and crushed stone. Lightly textured with a sizzling saline acid line that gets the saliva glands working overtime. I love it! Drink to 2031.

93 points Special Value Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, June 2026

From the cool, river influenced vineyards of the Tamar Valley comes an Arneis that showcases both Tasmanian freshness and Italian flair. Holm Oak Vineyards is a family owned estate run by Tim and Rebecca Duffy, with Rebecca leading the winemaking. Based on the western bank of the Tamar River, the vineyard benefits from long daylight hours, cool nights and well drained alluvial soils, ideal for preserving acidity and aromatic clarity. Arneis, originally from Piedmont in northern Italy, has found an exciting second home here, delivering texture, lift and subtle savoury character in Tasmania’s temperate climate.

Pale straw with bright green highlights, the aromatics are lively and inviting. Nashi pear, white peach and green apple lead, followed by hints of citrus blossom, fennel and a delicate almond note. There is a gentle mineral edge that reflects the cool Tamar conditions and careful vineyard management.

On the palate it is dry, medium bodied and beautifully textured. Orchard fruit and citrus glide across fresh natural acidity, while a lightly waxy mouthfeel gives depth and character. Subtle savoury nuances of almond and herbs carry through to a clean, refreshing finish that lingers with pear skin and citrus peel. It is vibrant, food friendly and true to the Arneis variety.

Pair with grilled prawns, seafood risotto, lemon roasted chicken, fresh burrata or lightly spiced Asian dishes. Best enjoyed over the next three to five years to capture its brightness and texture.