The Fogarty family first landed in Tasmania from Ireland in the mid-1800s, and have recently returned to their roots with their exciting project Lowestoft. Produced from the close-planted (8,300 vines per hectare) vines at Lowestoft planted in 1986. The fruit was hand-picked and matured in large-format French oak (35% new) for ten months.

Deep-ish red-purple, a bright youthful colour, the bouquet showing dominant whole-bunch stalky and earthy, dusty, root-vegetable aromas, while the wine is very intense and concentrated on the tongue, with quite a strong contribution from oak and impressive penetration, the finish lingering on and on. There's a touch of bitterness and astringency from the tannins but the wine is young and will reward a little cellar time. Rating: 95 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

This is the initial release of La Maison from this single vineyard site near Hobart. Combines all the best elements of great pinot – elegance, precision, subtle finesse and a fine acidity. On the nose, plum and raspberry notes with darker cherry notes emerge. The palate is super intense with a deep, concentrated core. Yet it delivers with so much of that pinot finesse. Richly layered dark fruits provide a dense core with earthy undertones, Christmas cake and a tea-like character bring life and length (best drinking: Now to 2035). Rating: 97 Points;  Ray Jordan; The West Australian