RIDGE VINEYARDS Geyserville Zinfandel blend, Alexander Valley

The wine pours well with impressive mousse, followed by a fine bead with moderate persistence. Deep straw colour base wine. The nose is showing some developed character with aroma of yeast lees, cashew and biscuit with honeycomb end note. Creamy textured palate, with flavours of strawberry, yeast lees and biscuit. Clean acid finish. Creamy strawberry aftertaste. A very good Commercial style. Cellar 1-2 years (2009-2010) Alc/Vol: 12.5% First tasted: August 1999 A newly re packaged Methode Champenoise and at its price point, very impressive. Bright pale straw colour followed by very fine and very persistent bead. Excellent nose with distinct yeast autolysis and a hint of grapefruit and citrus. Full bodied creamy palate, excellent finesse followed by persistent biscuit, yeast flavours and crisp acid finish. Great everyday drinking.

CLARENDON HILLS Brookman Vineyard Merlot, McLaren Vale Clarendon Hills’ Brookman Vineyard is among the highest in McLaren Vale, 250m higher and 10km north-east of the McLaren Vale township. The vines were planted on clay soils in the late 1960s and are dry-grown. Grapes are hand-picked 2-3 weeks later than on the flats, following a long, mild and generally consistent ripening period. Fermentation as whole berries, using wild yeasts, precedes 18 months maturation in tight-grained French Oak, 85% new, the rest between one and four years old. The final wine is a barrel selection. Brookman Merlot is noted for mulberry and blackcurrant fruit, spice and Christmas cake aromas, opulence, richness of flavour and softness with finely balanced tannins.

The Côte des Blancs finest grand crus: the finesse of Chouilly, the power of Avize and Cramant, the structure and longevity of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger; every parcel vinified separately to retain character; 5.5g/L dosage