2025 Riposte Dagger Pinot Noir

“Bright ruby with a translucent crimson edge. The aroma is lifted and perfumed, revealing red cherry, wild strawberry and subtle rose petal, layered with gentle spice and a hint of pine forest complexity. The palate is medium-bodied and finely structured, showcasing vibrant red berry fruit supported by silky tannins and refreshing natural acidity. The finish is long, elegant and beautifully poised. A refined Pinot Noir with precision and finesse.”

— Russ Gallagher | Vino Masters

“Comes together with signature Adelaide Hills fleshy fruit presence and style. Cherry is definitely the theme here with scents of dusty red cherry, cranberry, pepper, crushed herbs, fennel seed and hints of rose florals. There’s a real brightness and energy to the youngster with oak in balance. Cherry fruits, raspberry and cranberry shine on the palate while red liquorice, dried herbs and peppery spice mingle in the background. Delivers plenty of upfront juiciness with an easy textural flow on a bed of brisk tannins.”

— Jeni Port | Winepilot

“It’s fabulously fruited and inviting on the nose with aromas of sweet cherry, plum, floral, thyme, and warm spices. The palate displays succulent fruit flavours with a silky texture and supple mouthfeel, elegantly framed by polished tannins, offering delightful drinking. At its best: now to 2031.”

— Sam Kim | Wine Orbit

“From a warm, dry and early vintage, fruit selected from several vineyards across the region, this new release sits more in the savoury pocket than fruit bomb, exhibiting kitchen garden aromas — thyme especially — as well as native foliage like saltbush and boronia, subtle yet seductive, tempered a touch with light, charry oak. All this settles comfortably into the palate that has a thread of black cherry flavour underpinning the aromatics and a neatly fitting, soft velcro tannin grip to finish.”

— Tony Love | Winepilot

“Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir, the colour here is a crimson/garnet. The nose has some sappy and briary notes, but is full of strawberries and cherries with hints of iron filings and dry herbs. A supple texture, this is still very youthful and the length may build over the next few years. There is good balance right through to the silky tannins.”

— Ken Gargett | Winepilot

“Yet another classy pinot from the Adelaide Hills. This one always delivers well beyond its price point. Distinct varietal notes of cherry and raspberry, with subtle truffly complexities beneath. Light-bodied yet showing good density and texture, with fine tannins and a sliver of oak combining to carry through to the finish. Poised and stylish.”

— Ray Jordan | Winepilot

“It’s perhaps easy to think Pinot Noirs under might be easy drinking but simplified. That’s not the case here and it’s really worth your time to unpack this wine. A family affair led by Tim Knappstein, this opens with berries in syrup, sumac spice and Hungarian paprika. Some boysenberry swirls and Bing cherries which lead to maple and sanded pine oak. Its naturally elevated acidity makes for moreish drinking.”

— Shanteh Wale | Winepilot

“There’s a bit more stuffing to this Pinot Noir than is customary for this variety, so it will suit those looking for a lighter red that isn’t too light. Stewed red cherry flavours edge into black cherry, peppercorn, spearmint and violets. It’s an easy wine to drink, and to like.”

— Campbell Mattinson | Mattinson