Redbank is proud to release two stunning new wines; Redbank 2003 Sunday Morning Pinot Gris and Redbank 2003 Long Paddock Sauvignon Blanc.

These two outstanding wines are true survivors as earlier this year Mother Nature dealt a cruel blow when she unleashed bush fires in Victoria's North East - from where the grapes for these wines came. The bushfires had a devastating effect on some growers in the region with vineyards being damaged, and some growers' contracts being dishonoured.

Redbank has honoured every single grape contract it had in Victoria's North East and nearly all Redbank growers and their vineyards in the King Valley and Ovens Valley escaped serious damage and were able to supply top quality fruit with none of the much discussed "smoke taint".

To help give something back to the community, Redbank has initiated a program that will assist the local Alpine Valleys Country Fire Services.

A donation of $2.00 from every case of Redbank wine sold nationally from July 1, 2003 until the end of December, 2003 will go towards the purchase of a new, purpose built four wheel drive fire-fighting vehicle, a vital contribution to the local fire-fighting authority.

Enough about fire and philanthropy and on to the wines.

The Redbank 2003 Sunday Morning Pinot Gris continues an extraordinary run for this wine - the two previous vintages have been regarded as among the very best examples of this variety and have collected two trophies and four gold medals.

As with the 2001 and 2002 vintages, fruit for the 2003 was sourced entirely from one of the highest vineyards in Victoria's "High Country" - John and Helen Cavedon's vineyard 400m above sea level at the heart of the King Valley. While close to some of the worst bushfires in January 2003, the vineyard was unharmed and the fruit was processed and fermented without any hint of "smoke taint".

100% handpicked, the gentle handling of the fruit helped minimise any unwanted colour or phenolics. Whole bunch pressing further helped capture the delicate aromatics of Pinot Gris. The juice was vinified in old French oak barriques to give the wine good structure and excellent mouth feel.

The resultant wine has lifted fruit aromas of lychees and quinces with a hint of complex spices. The palate is long and the natural viscosity of Pinot Gris gives further weight and depth, finishing with nuances of quince and rose petal perfume.

The Redbank 2003 The Long Paddock Sauvignon Blanc has an aromatic nose showcasing classical sauvignon spice with underlying tropical fruit notes. Coupled with passion fruit and gooseberry, these typical cool climate characters define the wine despite the fact it comes from a warm year. Ripe tropical fruits give the palate good depth and the wine finishes with crisp acidity and lingering fruit freshness.

Redbank 2003 Sunday Morning Pinot Gris RRP $20-22

Redbank 2003 The Long Paddock Sauvignon Blanc RRP $11-13

Distributor: Redbank Wines are distributed nationally by Negociants Australia

Availability: Fine wine stores and restaurants