2013 Torbreck Barossa Valley Saignée

So I would not say no to a Mataro-based Rosé after this one (though I will maintain Pinot Noir is still hard to beat ultimately).

Smelling of strawberries. Looking like watered blood or semi-ripe tomato juice in colour. And tasting of ... I don't really know as yet what blood orange tastes like, but this tastes like what the words 'blood orange' should taste like.

A good food wine. But also available to drink slowly late summer / early autumn out in the open air.

A clear, elegant label of black o white with a tree-like vine image. Bought from the ever-reliable Cellars, this time at Bangalow.

2012 Kilikanoon 2012 Killerman's Run Clare Valley Riesling

Great Year and Great Place for Riesling. While this is good, it is not as lush as some Rieslings I've had lately. This is a mixture of vineyards, although that has not meant less-than-good in Rieslings I've tried lately.

This is gooseberry in perfume and tart citrus on the palate. But a beautiful, clear, almost opalescent pale gold in colour.

The Kilikanoon is a distinct label: you always recognise the star and circle-rim caps lettering.

I recently tried a Shiraz which I'd recommend first before this Riesling.

Kevin Mitchell = winemaker.

2009 Rookery Kangaroo Island Riesling

Looking for the bestest Riesling (I know, it's not hard if you choose a Clare Valley Watervale aournd 2012)? But, hey, this is another, but probably difficult to find. And surprisingly I found it in the Northern Rivers: the fab Cellars (three shops in the area). Mind you, Rookery also take grapes from Eden Valley. I was sceptical at first, since the label referred to 'confectionery' and 'sweet lollie' (meant to the lolly methinks). And I am never after a sweet Riesling unless it's an ice one with dessert. But here was a dry, finish-the-bottle-in-one-go Riesling.