Clover Hill ‘Vintage Riche’ 2015

A sparkler with more than a nod to the Riche of Veuve Clicquot, even down to the colouring of the label – a bit of a risk given the well-known litigiousness of VC. Disgorged in October 2019, this is from the Pipers Rivers region of Tasmania and is a blend of 61% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 6% Pinot Meunier. 

Hints of lemon pie and dried herbs. The sweetness is less pronounced than expected with residual sweetness of 17.9%, practically bone dry for the early days of sparkling wines and, although sweeter than most today, still well under some of its peers. The floral notes linger. An attractive style, good for desserts which are not too sweet. Or a bowl of fruit.