Riposte is an entirely family owned and run boutique winery. Tim, Dale and Nick form a close-knit team that is guided by the winemaking philosophy to be ‘hands on’ at every stage from vineyard to bottle. Each vineyard site is carefully selected for quality and its suitability for producing varietal character. Tim and son Nick work closely with the growers at every stage, ensuring grapes are picked at the optimum stage of ripeness, vibrancy and freshness.

Elegance with length and drive. Floral lift combines with fresh cherries, red fruit and subtle savoury undertones. A complex lingering palate of berries, blossom and spice resolves seamlessly along the palate to a lingering finish with hints of charry oak.

Another fine Pinot from the Adelaide Hills, from their favourite Lenswood grower, this time a blend of six different clones. Each of the clones has been harvested separately, cold soaked and hand plunged in open fermenters. Afterwards, pressing was to French oak barrels, 25% new. The final wine is a barrel selection. Deep crimson in colour, the nose offers spicy notes, fresh beetroot, red fruits and berries, with hints of freshly rolled cigars, warm earth and soy notes. Like this a lot. The wine is well focused with impressive length and satiny tannins. There is also a tiny flick of a bitter almond note on the finish, which lingers. Enjoy this for the next six to eight years. Date: Jul 2023; Price: $40.00; Drink: 2023-2031; Rating: 94 Points; Ken Gargett; Wine Pilot

A mix of Lenswood and Piccadilly vineyards, this Pinot Noir iteration sits at the peak of the Riposte tiered Pinot range, showing quite a bit more depth and interest than its siblings. This has floral, darker rose petal notes, and colour to match, black cherry flavours to follow with roasted spice and a decent feel of black pepper. The palate remains juicy and well-rounded, the pepper echoing down the line, with tannins gently expressed. A wine with sophistication and finesse through and through. Date: Jan 2024; Price: $39.00; Rating: 94 Points; Tony Love; Wine Pilot