Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2006 $15 to $18
Pewsey Vale 2006 earned a bronze medal winner at last week’s Barossa Valley Wine Show. As with so many bronze-medal, current-vintage rieslings, a sip in passing on the tasting bench reveals far less than a chilled bottle consumed at a leisurely pace. What started as a refreshing, light, pure aperitif at Chateau Shanahan last weekend gathered appealing, citrusy varietal flavours after a glass or two and held interest to the last drop. It’s from Yalumba’s Pewsey Vale Vineyard just a few kilometres up the hill from the Angaston winery. It’s screw cap sealed and should drink well for the next decade.

McKellar Ridge Canberra District Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2005 $20-$24
Every wine district has theories as to why certain varieties should or shouldn’t excel in the local environment. Finally, the only test that counts is in the glass. And that’s not a test that’s ever determined by one tasting – but rather by cumulative opinion of many people over a great period of time. By that measure cabernet sauvignon struggles in our region. However, we see occasional highlights like this delicious McKellar Ridge 2005, a trophy winner at last month’s local show. It has a satisfying depth of varietal flavour and the taut structure of the variety. Released October 12, phone Brian Johnstone 6258 1556.
Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2006 & 2007