Clover Hill Vintage Riché 2016

With 15 grams per litre of residual sugar this is a cuvée that highlights the skills of the winemaking team. With nearly 59% Chardonnay, 38% Pinot Noir and a dash of Pinot Meunier, this pale gold sparkling spends more than 4 years on lees and offers toasty, rich and honeyed aromas. Fresh breadcrust and brioche with a creamy wrapping. There’s a fine earthy base of mushroom and truffle to add to the complexity. A fine exercise in counterpoint with the honeyed, creamy notes offsetting a tight and crisp tail. Feels opulent and a little bit naughty!

Regan Drew

Regan is a regular wine columnist for the News Regional Media "Weekend" Magazine and digital "Life" sections. A graduate of the Australian Wine Research Institute's Advanced Wine Assessment Course #47 he was awarded with Distinction WSET Level 3 in Wine & Spirits, has been an Associate Judge for the New South Wine Awards plus a couple of little stints helping out in the Hunter Valley and Tasmania during vintages with small but quality winemakers.