The Holyman family had been involved in vineyards in Tasmania for 20 years, but Joe Holyman's career in the wine industry, first as a sales rep, then as a wine buyer, and more recently working in wineries in NZ, Portugal, France, Mount Benson and Coonawarra, gave him an exceptionally broad-based understanding of wine. In 2004 Joe and wife Lou purchased the former Rotherhythe Vineyard, which had been established in 1986, and set about restoring it to its former glory. There are two ranges: the Stoney Rise wines, focusing on fruit and early drinkability, and the Holyman wines, with more structure, more new oak and the best grapes, here the focus on length and potential longevity.

Floral hints first up, followed by Nashi pear.  The palate is crisp with cashew, kiwi fruit and has a slightly saline finish.  Texture from lees stirring finishes the wine and balances the acidity to give the nutty mouth filling grip.

Light straw with aromas of Meyer lemon, nashi pear, citrus fruits, blanched almonds, pressed wildflowers, white flowers, almond meal, just a whiff of distant white pepper and crushed stone. Super slinky and textural with a bright, singular minerally line and great length of flavour as the wine slowly fades away. Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $35.00; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 94 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion