Wine

Wine: Rosemount Estate Shiraz.

Grape: Shiraz.

Region: South Australia.

Vintage: 1992.

ROSEMOUNT Estate is often regarded as a relatively recent arrival on the Australian wine scene, even though the original winery was established in 1861. But it fell into disrepair and was re-established in 1969. Located in the upper Hunter Valley, Rosemount has a vigorous export policy and its wines are to be found in most parts of the world. It is best known for its excellent Chardonnays, which range from the heavy Roxburgh to the elegant Hunter Valley Show Reserve to the basic Southeastern Australian Chardonnay.

Shiraz has become very popular in Australia because it has strong fruit flavours and can be drunk early. Rosemount produces a very good value Shiraz which consistently wins awards. The 1992 vintage has an excellent spice and berry fruit nose. On the palate it is rich and rounded with cherry and pepper flavours and a long soft finish. It can be drunk now but will last for a few more years. Try it with roast lamb.

Where to buy: Wine'N Things (Tel: 2880-9722) at $106 per bottle.