The dictionary definition of ‘Riposte’ (pronounced rip-posst) is comeback, reply, retort, or in the context of the sport of fencing a quick counter stroke. After over a decade of confusion about his name ‘Riposte’ was chosen as an appropriate name for a ‘comeback label’ by Tim Knappstein.

Lush dark berry fruit with striking floral edges combine on the nose of the Dagger Pinot Noir to create a fresh yet complex attack on the senses. Lifted rich fruit and spice parry along the palate to a finish of fine-grained tannin and bright acidity. The Dagger has been honed to create a vibrant, rich, earlier drinking wine displaying all of the hallmark aromas flavours and texture of Pinot Noir. Drink young while the edge is keen. The grapes for ‘The Dagger’ are from Charleston and Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills.

Sourced from the Gumeracha and Lobethal districts, this pours without pretension, light ruby in the glass, cherry fruit and tree-wood fragrance to get you interested. Then pure and straight Pinot flavour profiling with a little anise to add some spice. Bright and perky in the finish, with enough lingering Pinot forest-like earthiness to convince you it’s the real deal, even in its “lite” styling. Very drink-easy. Date: Jan 2024; Price: $24.00; Rating: 92 Points; Tony Love; Wine Pilot

A fine example of Adelaide Hills Pinot, still very youthful, but with much promise. A blend of a number of clones, the specific vineyards are located at Gumeracha and Lobethal. Destemmed fruit is placed into the fermenters without crushing, to ensure as many whole berries as possible. Twice daily pumping over, the wine is then transferred to stainless steel tanks prior to blending. This is all fruit! The colour is pale crimson with notes of red apples and cherries, spices and raspberries. A fresh style, mid length, with a pleasing flick of acidity and silky tannins. There is a slight sour cherry note too, which kicks in towards the finish, and which works well. Drink now and over the next four to five years. Date: Dec 2023; Price: $24.00; Drink: 2023-2028; Rating: 91 Points; Ken Gargett; Wine Pilot

Juicy pinot, lots of cherries and strawberries with highlights of sweet spice, a positive steeliness to the finish, cloves, almost graphite like. Energetic in a composed way. Varietal. Not a great wine but great for drinking. Feels real. Date: Nov 2023; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $24; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2023-2027; Rated: 90 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front