Mac Forbes Strathbogie Ranges RS16 Riesling 2013

A most stunning wine. Ginger, wax, subtle brine, bruised pear. Its got 16 grams residual sugar per litre - hence the RS16 - but you wouldn't know it if it wasn't there. A most beautiful wine in a time where most Australian Rieslings are bone dry and void of any flavour profile. Mac Forbes Strathbogie Ranges RS16 Riesling 2013. Stunning.

Drink with coconut and ginger poached scallops
Drink till 2016
98
Screwcap 12.5%v/v $32 Seddon Wine Store

Renato Ratti Piedmont Dolcetto D'Alba Colombe DOCG 2010

Ernest Hemingway wrote the classic WWI novel, 'A Farewell to Arms' where he chronicled his time as an ambulance driver in the Italian army. It is one of my favourite books. Early in the book Hemingway, in great, detail describes and then mocks the many beautiful army uniforms that the Italians were famous for, but not their fighting. If only Hemingway got a load of the is.

The Renato Ratti Piedmont Dolcetto D'Alba Colombe DOCG 2010, with the splendid army uniform circa the Napoleonic War, is all finesse and style but still has the mongrel and grunt to hold it s own on any front. Dusty garnet in the glass, the nose throws up earth and spice, tart dark fruit with as hint of bitter chocolate. The palate is pretty much more of the nose with tart dark fruit - think prickly plums, spice and earth all kept in tune with seamless acid and tannin balance. I love it!!!

Drink with bloody lamb
Drink till 2018
97
Quality cork 13%v/v $35 Seddon Wine Store

Witness Point Yarra Valley Shiraz 2012

If you are in Melbourne today then yes, Melbourne weather sucks!!!

Now I've got that sorted, lets talk smokin hot wine. The Witness Point Yarra Valley Shiraz 2012. This is made from fruit declassified from the Thousand Candles project, but to be honest, and I said this to the rep when showed the wine - the Thousand Candles - that I much preferred the Witness Point Shiraz, and at a fraction of the cost too boot.

The nose shoots a quick whack of green edginess, but I like that, with tart and crisp blackberry following. The palate is all racey acid and tight fine tannins with bursts of peppercorn flowers, more tart blackberry and a hint of black licorice.

Cannot wait to see the fish John West rejects next year.

Drink with chilli beef snags
Drink till 2015
96
Screwcap 12.5%v/v $22 Seddon Wine Store