Harry’s Picks

Vancouver International Wine Festival executive director Harry Hertscheg offers up six Australian wines for your consideration

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2014 Region: Eden Valley Price: $23.99 Tasting notes: Classic dry style from a cool, high-altitude region. Intense lemon-lime, refreshing, great length. Pairing suggestion: Capable of developing with cellaring but superb with Dungeness crab now.St. Hallett Old Block Shiraz 2010 Region: Barossa Valley Price: $80.99 Tasting notes: Made from vines 60 to 100 years old. Fragrant, dark fruited, concentrated, fine tannins.Pairing suggestion: After dinner with dark chocolate and lively conversation.Devil’s Lair “The Hidden Cave” Chardonnay 2014 Region: Margaret River Price: $24.99 Tasting notes: Inspired by the discovery of Tasmanian Devil remains in a cave, the grapes are sourced from hidden vineyards across the region. Complex, structured, with focused peach and citrus. Pairing suggestion: Food friendly and very versatile, so a solid pairing with roast chicken.Fowles “Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch” Shiraz 2010 Region: Strathbogie Ranges Price: $39.99 Tasting notes: Sourced from cool climes and crafted to complement game and wilder flavours. Generous red fruit, medium-bodied, peppery finish. Pairing suggestion: Venison or lamb with foraged mushrooms.Jansz Premium Cuvée NV Region: Tasmania Price: $29.99 Tasting notes: A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a trailblazing region for bubbly. Elegant with a fine mousse and flavours of pear, citrus and brioche. Pairing suggestion: A classy way to kick off the evening, as it did at the Bacchanalia Gala.Yering Station Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 Region: Yarra Valley Price: $79.99 Tasting notes: This cool climate region near Melbourne is raising the bar for Pinots. Fragrant with red fruit, it delivers finesse, silky tannins and restrained oak influence. Pairing suggestion: Pairs brilliantly with Wagyu beef. Yering Station’s Village ($26.99) and Little Yering ($15.99) Pinots represent good value. •