Matthew Jukes – 'A sleek beauty from the Adelaide Hills'

The Dagger Pinot Noir 2017, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
by Tim Knappstein and Son

It is safe to say that Tim Knappstein is a legend in the Australian wine scene. He has worked in the business since 1966 and has totted up more than 500 wine-show awards, including 120 gold medals and 24 trophies. Having worked at the famous Clare Valley winery, Leasingham, in 1976 he started his own wine company, Tim Knappstein Wines.

A true pioneer, in 1981 Tim was the first to plant a vineyard in the Lenswood area of the Adelaide Hills, where he still lives today. The old Knappstein winery, along with his name, were sold in 1985 and so he named his new operation Riposte – right back atcha!

A chip off the old block

While Tim has subtly moved his name back onto his label, the important “and Son” reference on Riposte’s wine labels refers to Nick, Tim’s son. A chip off the old block, Nick is a superb chap and he and his dad make stunning wines in “The Hills”, specialising in pinot noir.

My featured wine this week, The Dagger, is a sleek beauty and it shows rare balance. Drinking perfectly already, freshly fruity on the nose and wonderfully vivid on the palate, this is wine that celebrates this grape’s innate sexiness without loading it with unwanted oak or attitude. Stylish and complete, this will be an awesome addition to every single MoneyWeek reader’s cellar.