Redhouse Wines

Altier Pinot Grigio 2009 $22

Made from Adelaide Hills fruit. Clean, fresh nose with typical Grigio pear and musk-like aroma's. Fresh and dried pear flavours, faint hint of spice; textured mouthfeel. Winery Sample, 87 points, Drink 2009+

Mediterrane' Shiraz/Sangiovese/Tempranillo 2008 $22

This blend of varieties really works a treat. Lots of ripe fruit, but quite layered with some herby tartness lifting the finish. Nice grip and keeps you interested. Savoury, food friendly and ready to drink. Winery Sample, 90 points, drink 2010+

On the Bench #2

Fox Gordon 'Princess' Fiano 2009 $20

The alternative variety movement in Australia is well and truly on the march, with all sorts of rare and obscure varietals poking their heads above the parapet. Fox Gordon are just one of the many who are staking a claim for a piece of turf on the new frontier, and they're making a good fist of it, too.

It has a great combination of fruit flavour and savouriness. Pears and almonds come straight to mind as flavour cues, but it's the slightly pithy, nutty, almost chewy/dried pear nature of the finish that grabs the attention. Made for food, with a fresh sweep of acidity cleaning up the tail. Seriously well made wine here - the rating, whilst more or less capturing the merits of the wine, doesn't quite do justice to the enjoyability factor. 91 points, 2009+