The Wines for Joanie twitter bio reads, “Two Queenslanders in Tassie growing grapes, making wine & having fun doing it.”  Good on them I say.

What it doesn’t say is, Andrew & Prue O’Shanesy were cattle and crop farmers in Queensland but, due to certain circumstances, they decide they needed to do something else.  After a few other ideas were floated, someone told them about a vineyard for sale in Northern Tasmania so, long story short, they moved to this magnificent state.

I knew nothing about Wines for Joanie until I saw them pop up on social media and, because I’m always interested in new Tassie wines, my interest was piqued.

I was at Festivale in Launceston recently so decided to head on over to their tent to check out the wines and who should be there, Andrew himself (and I met Prue there also).  We had a good chat and I discovered that Pete Dredge makes the wines and, with that man in charge, coupled with high quality 2014 vintage Tamar Valley chardonnay fruit, you’re definitely on a winner.

I also tasted this one at a recent event in Hobart and was lucky enough to be offered the opened bottle to take home.  I didn’t have to be asked twice.

It’s a lovely floral wine but it was when we tasted it that got me and my wife’s attention. The colour is lightish but it has plenty of flavour and texture don’t you worry about that! My wife thought it was nice and peachy while I got a creamy/buttery character (I almost wanted to dunk some fresh sour dough bread in it).  It finished with a touch of acidity but was very clean and rich.  As far as the Peters’ are concerned, it definitely has the ‘yummy’ factor.  There is not much around either so get in quick!

Region: Northern Tasmania     Cost $48     Source: Wine Tasting Event

http://www.winesforjoanie.com.au/