Bay of Fires – Current Release – February 2018

Barry Weinman: 14^th February 2018

Bay of Fires is a Tasmanian winery located on the Pipers River in the Tamar Valley. The winery produces a range of cool-climate still and sparkling wines under the Eddystone Point and Bay of Fires labels.

Winemaking is led by Penny Jones, a Tasmanian native who has been with the winery since 2013, after a decade at Petaluma honing her skills. As senior winemaker, Penny is looking to build textural components to the wines, to complement the pristine fruit.

This is really evident in the Eddystone Point range, where the textural components really add to the drinkability of the wines, making them perfect for early consumption. As good as these wines are, it is the Bay of Fires range that is really exciting: Pristine cool climate fruit that has been expertly handled in the winery.

Reviewed

Bay of Fires – Riesling – 2017 ($31). The intensity and focus of this wine is impressive. Citrus, spice and musk in a restrained package with texture, mouth-feel and fine acidity that carries the palate. Very long and delicious, the 4.5g/l of residual sugar makes for a delectable wine that is also age-worthy.

Bay of Fires – Pinot Gris – 2017 ($31). Much more taut and restrained compared to the Eddystone, with fine texture and acid. Alsatian in style (aromatic and floral, with the mouth-feel building on the close. A very fine example, worthy of short-term aging.

Bay of Fires – Sauvignon Blanc – 2017. A more textural, savoury style, with grassy notes over the gentle tropical fruit. Would take food very well and has excellent length. The small amount of new oak (5%) combined with some lees stirring/aging add to the mouth-feel.

Bay of Fires – Chardonnay – 2016 ($45). Restrained and elegant, with lemon curd and stonefruit notes. The winemaker’s influences are turned down, but there is still complexity and excellent depth. The supple mouth-feel is a highlight and the wine is sure to age well over the next 5+ years. Barrel fermented and aged in new French oak for nine months, with partial malo.

Bay of Fires – Pinot Noir – 2016 ($45). Serious depth and power to the fruit, though there is an admirable degree of restraint on show. Cherry, earthy notes, forest floor and spice all in evidence. Great balance and excellent length, the oak adding a silky texture. From a warmer year, this sees 20% whole bunch fermentation, aged in French oak (20% new).