Ashton Hills Sparkling Rose 2020

"I've always liked this wine. A gorgeous hue. Pallid coral. Glimpsing colour without quite touching it. The fruit, too, is a skittish beam of red fruits, just ripe enough, powdery and crunchy and effusive of energy. Long and pleasing and delicious. The skill on show is knowing when lees work (one year on this release) is sufficient to achieve the goal of nerve, flavour and etherealness." 95 points Special Value Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

It starts off all lifted and fruity, like your nose is buried a bowl of fresh cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit, before subtle notes of damask rose and creamy, biscuity notes add complexity. The palate is bright and frothy and juicy (with less barrel-ferment complexity than the 'Salmon' Brut) yet with lees-aged and dosage-driven texture, sweet fruit and refreshing, natural acidity each playing their part. Terrific for the money.