Huon Hooke's wine guide
Under $20
Logan Weemala Riesling 2016, Orange $19.95
Score 91
A soft, delicate style of riesling, with floral, straw and mandarin-like citrus aromas, the palate intense and long with a tickle of sweetness balanced by firmness from well-judged acidity and tannin. It has the backbone to go with rich foods. (12 per cent alcohol; screw-cap.)
Ageing? Drink now to eight years.
Drink with Smoked trout pate.
Stockists include Vaucluse Cellars (NSW); Leaf Market, Brighton (Vic).
$20-$35
Rameau d'Or Cotes de Provence Rosé 2015 $25-$27
Score 95
The colour is pale salmon-pink and the bouquet is shy and subtle, savoury and more than simple fruit. Good depth of flavour and richness, with a harmonious and persistent finish.An outstanding southern French rosé. (12.5 per cent alcohol; screw-cap.)
Ageing? Best within a year or so.
Drink with Fish soup or bouillabaisse.
Stockists include Camperdown Cellars and Corkscrew Cellars, Sydney; Red, White & Amber, Melbourne and Parkhill Cellars, North Melbourne.
Indulge yourself
Geoff Weaver Lenswood Chardonnay 2012, Adelaide Hills $40
Score 94
With the benefit of some bottle-age, this restrained but mellow chardonnay has a mid-yellow hue and a rich, smoky/toasty bouquet that is generous and complex. Ample roast hazelnut flavours, modest alcohol and a clean, dry, savoury finish. It's aging gracefully and will keep a while yet. (12 per cent alcohol; screw-cap.)
Ageing? Best within four years.
Drink with Chicken satay.
Stockists include 60 Darling Street Cellars (NSW); Middle Park Hotel (Vic).
Wine of the week
Pinelli Estate Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2007, Swan Valley $35
Score 96
With its deep, glowing buttercup-yellow hue, this is a great example of a bottle-aged Swan Valley chenin, an under-appreciated style of dry white. It has a buttered-toast bouquet, mellow and complex but still exuding intense fruit aroma and flavour, and a clean finish that leaves you wanting more. (13 per cent alcohol; screw-cap.)
