RIPOSTE BY TIM KNAPPSTEIN The Scimitar Riesling, Clare Valley

Deep, luscious red velvet. Malt bursts onto your tongue and the raging hops kick in before the warming alcohol joins the fray. Hoppyness and warming malt goodness.

Pioneer of the Coonawarra region, John Riddoch, lends his name to the highway that dissects the famous 'terra rossa' dominated region which is home to some of Australia's premier red wine vineyards. The fruit for this evocative Shiraz is sourced from some of these vineyards and is aged in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months to develop increased complexity. Exuding plum and red fruit aromas with just a tiny hint of oak that supports the rich textured palate. Perfect for enjoying today or for careful medium term cellaring.

Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Sparkling is the favourite of many Fine Wine Managers at Dan Murphy's as the ultimate "party" sparkling wine. Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir consistently out shines the more expensive opposition for freshness and vibrancy. The citrus and toasted cashew flavours of Chardonnay are married beautifully to the fresh bread crust characters of Pinot Noir.

Brown Brothers Moscato has long been the a favourite among lovers of light, refreshing, delicately sweet wines and here is Brown Brothers sparkling version. Bursting with those typical flavours of sherbet and lively citrus, this full sparkling wine has lovely balanced acidity and is a great all occasion sparkling for those who like their bubbles a touch sweet.

With access to some of the very best vineyard land in the King Valley, Brown Brothers are able to craft an authentic Prosecco with all the hallmarks this style has become famous for. The elevated terroir produces a sparkling that is both crisp and gentle, with delicate lemon-pear flavours. Lively acidity through the palate complemented by a terrific long finish. The Italian influence here is for all to see. (Limited edition bottle**)

Brown Brothers new Vintage Sparkling Moscato Rosa has a brink pink strawberry hue giving the wine a delightfully delicate feel. With the addition of a touch of Brown Brothers highly successful Cienna variety, this full sparkling sweet Rosé; exhibits a luscious spicy perfume and an intricate sweet palate. Balanced acidity helps keep the wine perfectly balanced and should be enjoyed chilled while in its youth.

Brown Brothers have added the Prosecco Rosato to join the original, and much loved, Prosecco. In the glass there is a rose-gold colour and a soft nose of strawberry and apple skins. With the addition of a touch of Cienna to the Prosecco, the sparkling wine retains its trademark acidity while showcasing a softer, rounder side to the palate. Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosato is made to be enjoyed young while at its light and delicate best. (Limited edition bottle**)

Freixenet is the world's biggest selling sparkling wine. Produced entirely from hand-harvested grapes and fermented in the bottle, it is a wine of great style and delicacy for its price.

Elephant in the Room Chardonnay is medium, deep straw yellow in colour with a highly expressive nose of ripe peach and melon aromas, struck match and notes of creamy oak. The palate is bold and upfront with a burst peach, guava and melon flavours with a rich and soft texture building to a mouthcoating and full back palate framed by subtle toasty oak. Fresh acidity gives balance before a soft dry finish.

Crafted for the conscious consumer, Tread Softly is certified sustainable, made with modern vineyard and water management techniques to minimise environmental impact. It is bottled in sustainable, lightweight glass and the wine styles are balanced, medium weighted and naturally lighter in alcohol. Since 2019, the brand has planted a tree for every case sold in efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and to date, has planted 2.6 million trees in the ‘Tread Softly Forest’ (and counting)…. Tasting Note: It’s wine, but not quite. Built on a base of crisp Pinot Grigio, this spritzer brings subtle citrus and green apple notes to life, elevated by the gentle sweetness of natural white peach. Delicate stone fruit flavours complement the soft, refreshing spritz, offering a light, bright palate that’s balanced and effortlessly drinkable. Fresh, fruity, and just the right amount of bubbly.