Wine legend Andrew Pirie has been instrumental in the establishment of many of Tasmania’s most significant brands. His passion today rests in a tiny vineyard in Pipers River. His Apogee wines are sourced exclusively from this estate. While they’re quite young, he purposely builds a sparkling style of approachability by fermenting 40% of base wines in old oak casks. The result is a full straw hue, even at this young age, though the bouquet is youthful, with white nectarine, citrus zest, lilies and honey. The palate strikes a wonderful tension between the intensity, richness and texture of baked apple and the zesty vibrancy of lemon citrus. It finishes surprisingly toasty and honeyed for its young age, showing the complexity of barrel fermentation, with a little more dosage than it needs, yet upholding great length and integrity. Disgorged 26 August 2014. Best price direct.