Chrismont 2011 La Zona King Valley Arneis

"Arnie Pizzini and his team at Chrismont in Victoria's King Valley turn out an excellent range of wines, all at eminently reasonable prices, but this one leapt out at me. It's a delightfully different style, made from the northern Italian grape arneis, that is beautifully fresh in its youth with crisp green apple and pear notes, the merest hint of honey and some attractive crispness and minerality on the finish.

A lovely understated wine for enjoying chilled, it's one for sipping and savouring. From a winery that has a reputation for "alternative" varieties, this is one of the most impressive Australian versions of arneis I have seen; from a grape that can sometimes be a little nondescript it is nice to see a wine offering such interest."

Winsor Dobbin, www.winsordobbin.com.au, December 5, 2011