
The 2007 Rifle Range ($35) probably deserved something a bit better (no, make that a lot better) than lamb, mint and rosemary sausages, but with only days to go before Madam's departure they were a better match than the other options that were likely to come up, so out went the cork a good couple of hours before the snags went under the grill.
At three years, the Rifle Range is still very much a baby, but a big bouncy full-bodied baby that stands up and demands attention. While it mightn't be one for real long term cellaring, there's plenty of tannin and genuine varietal character, making it a wine to savour on a cool night. Bottle #2 should be well and truly gone when summer rolls around.
After Madam has returned from Japan, of course.