Elgo Estate

Elgo Estate Strathbogie Ranges Riesling 2004 - Attractive bottle-developed lime juice aromas and flavours; excellent length and balance; has developed superbly. Rating 94. Drink to 2010

2006 Allira Chardonnay, Strathbogie Ranges, A$12 "The mob at Elgo Estate are embracing the environment - all winery wastewater is treated and recycled, the marc (grape skins and seeds left after fermentation) is composted and returned to the vineyards, and sheep graze under the wines during winter, reducing the need for herbicides. Elgo has also installed a wind turbine that provides more than 100 per cent of the winery's energy requirements. Oh, and the wines are delicious: this superb-value, second-label chardy is bursting with tangy, floral white nectarine flavours." By Max Allen.

The 2006 Allira label is available for as little as $12 and may be the best value varietal around. In a recent blind tasting it outdid many wines twice its price and at dinner was the second choice of the line-up. It has an apple-like nose that grabs you as soon as it’s opened, as well as everything else you look for in a riesling – citrus/fruit balanced with acidity. If you are reluctant to try riesling, this is a great introduction to the variety.