Stillwater

2 Bridge Rd, Launceston, Tas
(03) 6331 4153

stillwater.net.au

Cuisine Modern Australian
WINE LIST Jim Welsh
WINES ON LIST 203 (13 by the glass)
WINE PRICES $$ ($10-$25 by the glass)

Launceston’s Stillwater has long enjoyed a reputation as a great place to dine and enjoy some of the state’s finest wines. It has never done it as well as it does currently.

Furthermore, with the dramatic increase in interest in locally produced spirits (and the knowledgeable folk to produce them) Stillwater now has an extensive range of Tasmania spirits. For good measure, there’s more than a dozen local beers and a cider.

There’s a modest dozen wines by the glass but these are clearly chosen for quality. Sommelier Jim Welsh even has room to make a statement about the importance of Tasmanian pinot by including three examples by the glass.

The standouts on the list are bubbles, riesling, pinot gris, chardonnay and pinot noir. The local examples are placed in an international context spotlighting outstanding Australian and international wines. There’s a comprehensive listing of Tassie bubbles alongside a thoughtful bracket of Champagnes, Rockford’s stunning Black Shiraz and a 1959 Hunter Champagne. The strength of the Tasmanian wine industry is manifest on this list.

‍peter forrestal