Bream Creek Vineyard is a fantastic wine experience

Our final Cellar Door wine tasting in Tasmania recently was completed at Bream Creek Vineyard.  We were on a cruise which pulled in to Hobart, Tasmania.  Our Tassie friends picked us up and we headed to Bream Creek.  This post shares our wine tasting experience at Bream Creek Vineyard.

Background

Currently 1500 ha of land in Tasmania are under vine with the majority being white varietals and the remainder red. Approximately a 55% to 45% split. The focus in Tasmania is really on quality, less so than quantity. Of note, just point one percent (0.1%) of Tasmanian wines are exported worldwide. The focus in Tasmania is on light bodied Pinot Noir’s; grapefruit flavoured Chardonnay’s; structured sparkling wines; and, refined and aromatic Rieslings.

Climate

Tasmania‘s cool maritime climate is the result of being cooled by prevailing winds off southern ocean. 

Wine Tasting at Bream Creek Vineyard

It would be fair to say it was morning, and that we were well aware that it was a LITTLE bit early in the day to complete a full wine tasting.  However, you have to sometimes do these things when the opportunity arises.

It was a beautiful, sunny day as we travelled from Hobart down southeast to Bream Creek.  We were the first ones there on the Wednesday morning.  They had just opened, and we enjoyed the beautiful view of the valley and vines from the Cellar Door.  Aidan walked us through the below Autumn Tasting and shared with us some of his excellent detailed tasting notes as we moved along!  He is one of only a few WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine holders in Tasmania!

Bream Creek Vineyard Vintage Cuvee 2021

This pale yellow white sparkling is made with Chardonnay (63%) and Pinot Noir (37%) in the traditional method.  It was aged for an extended period on lees prior to release for three years. The aroma is complex with notes of lemon, stone fruit, red apple and butter.  On the palate these fruit characteristics are complemented by hints of brioche.  Dry with high acidity, it has medium plus complexity and medium plus flavour, a delicate mousse and a medium finish.  A good start to our wine tasting.

Bream Creek Vineyard Riesling 2024

This Riesling features a nose of orange blossom, lime and lemon. On the palate, the same notes along with some pineapple, wet stone, and jasmine. A dry, medium plus complexity, medium plus flavour and a pronounced finish. A very good Riesling.  Of note, this riesling is made from the oldest vines in Tasmania.

Bream Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Pronounced aroma‘s of blossom, passionfruit and grapefruit. On the palate, very similar notes with some additional blackcurrant leaf to support the citrus notes. Of course the stand out in many sauvignon blancs is gooseberry – it is vibrant and there in your face. Dry with high acidity, this is a well balanced white wine.  A very good Sauvignon Blanc.

Bream Creek Vineyard Fume Blanc 2023

This is a very complex wine. There are notes of tomato leaf, blossom, honeysuckle, apple, lemon, pepper, along with some vanilla and almond. The texture is beautiful – complex and mouth-covering. On the palate the wet stone comes through and goes right through the long finish. This is an outstanding dry white wine.

Bream Creek Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

We lucked out here. This 2024 Chardonnay was a bonus to our tasting. Aged slightly on oak with notes of vanilla, cream and stone fruit – peach and nectarine.  This was a beautifully smooth and balanced Chardonnay.

Bream Creek Vineyard Rose 2024

A pale salmon, pink rosé. Aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries, apples, and cherry. These fruits continue on the palate along with rosewater. Dry with balanced acidity, medium plus complexity, and a medium plus finish. This is a delicious very good rosé.

Bream Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

this Pinot Noir is what Bream Creek is best known for. Aromas of flowers, cherries, plums, raspberries, cedar toast, and some spice. A similar palate. Dry  with medium acidity, integrated tannins and a long finish. Chocolate and spice lingers. This is a very good Pinot Noir.

Bream Creek Vineyard Allanbys Hill Pinot Noir 2017

This Pinot Noir was a bonus provided at the end of our tasting. I didn’t complete a full tasting note but my one note says ‘very good but not a typical Pinot.’ I should have written down more!

Summary of Wine Tasting

Our tasting at Bream Creek Vineyard was fantastic!  Aidan was very helpful and guided us through the tasting well.  My chief complaint is our inability to easily order and receive these in Canada without significant expense due to shipping and challenges with importing.  We would have gladly bought many bottles if we didn’t already have a number bundled up already to bring home!  Each wine performed very well to outstanding.

Check out our other wine reviews by clicking on the link!