1998 was the fourth successive drought vintage in the Clare Valley. This Riesling has a fuller orange blossom flavour and aroma produced from a drought year.

Penfolds Maxs Chardonnay is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert, a legend in Penfolds history. Pale straw in colour with green hues, this wine has a very nice textural and creamy palate with a soft line of acid fading ever so slowly to a distant palate horizon.

From the cool climate of Tasmania here's a magnificent example of Pinot Grigio at its Australian finest. Ninth Island Pinot Grigio is full bodied with a lifted bouquet of exotic fruits like banana and pear. Refreshingly balanced by crisp acidity. Great price for such high quality and a wonderful introduction to the new 'it' variety.

Petaluma Riesling is one of Australia's finest examples of this noble variety. Pale straw in colour the palate exhibits lemon and grapefuit flavours matched by some fresh and racy acidity. Sourced from the home of great Australian Riesling, this trademark Clare Valley aromatic white is wonderful when opened upon release and like all great Rieslings, will develop brilliant toasty characters over a 10 year period in the bottle.

The nose reveals notes of small yellow fruits and almonds, and releases subtle hints of pear and peach. The wine is supple and fresh, revealing fruity notes of peach, apricot and hazelnut and a final touch of citrus. Overall, this Pinot Gris is well rounded with a brilliant expressive palate.

Delightful aromas of white peach, nectarines and subtle citrus zest join hints of cashew and cream. Fresh flavours of stone fruit combine with a tropical and citrus characters, subtle roasted cashews and an underlying creaminess from extended lees stirring to deliver a mouth-filling and enjoyable wine. The wine has a clean, elegant palate, a soft acid backbone and long, persistent finish.

Soumah, named for its location 'South of Maroondah Highway', specialise in quality clonal selection. This latest Pinot Grigio is one to get your hands on. Textural, from time on lees, figs and pear show through with a hint of musk. - Bri, Vintage Cellars Little Bourke Street.