"Since its first vintage in 1991, Taltarni has been working to make a superb sparkling wine with a reputation of distinction and class," said Taltarni senior winemaker, Mr Leigh Clarnette of Clover Hill.

"The benchmark for Australian sparkling wine is constantly being raised. While Clover Hill is certainly amongst the top of its class, the winemaking team is always striving to improve its quality to ensure that it stays that way.

"Since 1994, it has been crafted according to traditional Champagne methods from classic sparkling wine varietals-chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. We use a small percentage of reserve wines which are aged in French oak foudres and age each bottle on lees for a minimum of three years. Such practices ensure the unique personality and dimension that has become the Clover Hill house style," added Leigh.

Previous vintages have collected gold from Adelaide, Perth, Cairns and Hobart wine shows and been awarded trophies from the international show circuit; including the London International Wine & Spirit Competition and Drinks China Wine Competition. Clover Hill 1998 received the 2002 trophy for 'Australasian Sparkling Wine of the Year' by Winestate and was awarded 'Best Sparkling' by Uncorked (2002).

Clover Hill 1999 has an attractive light straw colour and opens with a persistent fine, vibrant bead and gentle foaming mousse. The nose has wonderful melon, pear and freshly pressed citrus notes with hints of almond biscuit and toasty coconut characters derived from the aged reserve wine. A highlight of Clover Hill is its structure and finesse on the palate; subtly complex it reveals rich, creamy characteristics of chardonnay which are integrated beautifully with the sherbety/bready pinot characters. The finish is lengthy and delightful.