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.

Mixed clones; 85% estate, 15% contract grown; 100% destemmed, seven different ferments; matured for 9 months in used foudres and barrels. The bouquet is full to the brim of dark cherry and poached plum; the palate is glorious, fresh and vibrant, with sparklets of spices on a barely obvious film of tannins. Drink to: 2035; Price: $32.00; Alcohol: 12.5%; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Perfume, bright red fruits, a little baking spice and quiet earthiness. It’s sleek and fine-boned, but delivers a good amount of flavour, pure acidity, and particularly good fine emery tannin grip, with a fresh and long finish. Structure delivered with a light touch. You might even call it a sensual wine. I really like it. Tasted: May 2023; Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $32; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2023-2030+; Rated: 93+ Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front