Ridgemill can be a bit of a hit and miss producer…and given the weather on the Granite Belt that’s not entirely surprising. It hailed when I visited in December last year. Devastating. Winemaker Peter McGlashan just rolled up his sleeves, shrugged it off and got on with the job. That pretty much sums him up.
There is core of sweet black fruit here but briney olives and sour plum skins contrbute interest. Fleshy with bright acidity and pleasingly fine tannin on a strong finish. A touch of minty lift. Some character here – maybe it’s at the expense of harmony and even-ness but I’ll take the trade-off. 88
Region: Granite Belt
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $30
Tasted: January 2014