Words from a Wine Glass

Taking nothing away from the big wine producers and their expansive cellar doors, I do enjoy visiting the smaller wineries and their cellar doors that could be a converted barn, former homestead or something as simple as a trestle table set up in the winery.  For me, they seem to have a certain charm, genuineness and uniqueness to them.  And, when you visit the cellar door, there’s a chance you will be greeted by the owner and/or winemaker, who is happy to spend the time, share their wine and convivial conversation with you.  This is exactly what happens when you visit Bob & Rita Richter at Grey Sands vineyard.  It is always a pleasurable visit as you sit on their veranda, taste wine at their outdoor table as you take in the view, and you can’t help but go away feeling like you’ve made new friends.

I do very much enjoy this particular wine in the Grey Sands line-up. It is very giving on the palate in the form of dark fruit characters that are plush, generous and mouth-filling.  The tannins are always fine and nicely integrated with the abundant fruit making for a wine that is congenial and approachable already, but with plenty of age-ability tucked in under all of that too. Here is your hearty red meat dish or hard cheese partner all under the one cork.

Grey Sands Website

Region: Glengarry, Tasmania     Price: $45     Source: Generous gift

It is really difficult to have favourites when it comes to the Grey Sands wines.  As soon as you try one of their wines you may think, “This is my favourite.” But tasting another one of their wines, that thought soon disappears because you’ve discovered another ‘favourite’.  And it happens so easily when you sit down with Bob or Rita, or both of them, and taste through their range that you end up taking away a bottle of more than just one of your favourite wines.

I’m not sure exactly what this blend is, however, the first Romanesque started off as a Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Touriga Francesca blend, but Bob and Rita have been including Aglianico, Lagrein and semi dried Tannat also. It doesn’t really matter because here is a wine that exudes deliciousness for mine.  Lovely black berry fruits and dark cherry richness, there’s a slight savoury sort of edge to it too, while the tannins are fine as the wine finishes nice and long.  Now, I’d like to say this is my favourite Grey Sands wine, but then so is the…(insert any Grey Sands wine here and repeat).

Grey Sands Website

Region: Glengarry, Tasmania     Price: $45     Source: Generous gift

I have a mate I don’t see as often as I used to.  Almost every time he sees me, he asks, “What’ve you been drinking lately Mr Peters?” in his baritone like voice.  I start reeling off some wines I’ve tried and describing them to him.  Then, a smirk slowly appears on his face which he simply cannot hide.  It’s a cheeky smirk that tells me, he’s not that interested and, sure enough, he comes out with, “Mr Peters, it’s a consumable,” and then he chuckles to himself.  He used to get me every time but I’ve finally wised up to him, so we generally don’t get into that sort of tête-à-tête anymore.  I now just let him know if he would like a wine or not.  I will definitely be telling him about this wine.

Here’s a wine that is bright, fresh, fruity and fun, and so damn easy to drink! Rampantly rambunctious red fruits are the star of this show with fresh ripe raspberries, red cherry goodness and juicy plump strawberries in the mix. In support there’s a sprinkling of pepper, some ‘feel good’ texture and friendly acidity to bring it home. Gee there’s a lot to like about this wine and it’s going to gather a great following for sure.

Huntington Estate Website

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $32     Source: Thanks kindly to Huntington Estate