Wine with Winsor – 237

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Sweet indulgence

Scotchmans Hill 2012 Late Harvest Riesling

There have been some recent ructions at Scotchmans Hill on the Bellarine Peninsula outside Geelong but the wine quality remains high and this is an outstanding dessert wine, or “sticky”, that would not only pair brilliantly with fruit tarts and pastries but also with terrines, pates and even blue cheese.

It is pale in colour, and its nectarine fruit sweetness is balanced by very crisp acidity on the finish. $20.

 

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Local hero

Apple Tree Flat 2013 Chardonnay

What’s not to love about a nice, crisp and dry chardonnay, fresh and easy to drink, that retails for under $15?

Winemaker Peter Logan and his wife Hannah split their time between their home in the Inner West and their vineyard outside Mudgee and use fruit from both the Mudgee and Orange regions.

This has plenty of vibrant stone fruit flavours, hints of nuttiness and a nice crisp finish. Good budget drinking. $13.

 

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Something different

Hand Crafted by Geoff Hardy 2013 Graciano

If you love your red wines a little more savoury than some of the aggressive and highly alcoholic fruit bombs out there, then you’ll want to check out the beautifully balanced range of Italian and Spanish red varieties made by Geoff Hardy in the Adelaide Hills.

They include a very impressive 2013 Montepulciano, along with a 2013 Nero d’Avola, and a 2012 Dolcetto.

This was the star for me, however; inky, spicy, earthy and a perfect companion for hearty winter dishes. $30.