2025 Stargazer Rada Pinot Meunier Pinot Noir, Coal River Valley

Stargazer Rada from the Coal River Valley is a graceful and intriguing red blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, crafted by the ever-creative winemaker Samantha Connew. The name Rada, meaning “happy” in Old English, perfectly captures the wine’s joyful character and vibrant energy. It’s a thoughtful expression of Tasmania’s cool climate terroir, blending the aromatic lift of Meunier with the structure and depth of Noir in a style that is both elegant and quietly complex.

The fruit is sourced from vineyards in the Coal River Valley, where the long, cool growing season allows slow ripening and beautiful flavour development. The grapes are hand picked, with each variety fermented separately using wild yeasts. A portion of whole bunches adds perfume and fine tannin structure. The wine is matured in seasoned French oak for around ten months, allowing texture to build while preserving the purity and freshness of the fruit.

In the glass it shows translucent ruby with a crimson rim. The aroma is bright and layered, offering red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry alongside hints of rose petal, spice and undergrowth. The palate is medium bodied and silky, with juicy red fruit, savoury herbs and fine, powdery tannins carried by crisp natural acidity. The finish is long, vibrant and perfumed, balancing elegance and liveliness in perfect harmony.

This wine pairs beautifully with duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto or roast chicken. It also complements dishes featuring truffle, beetroot or soft cheeses. Charming in its youth for its perfume and energy, it will age gracefully for six to eight years, gaining savoury complexity with time.