Riposte Wines’ The Sabre Pinot Noir 2024 is a sleek, Adelaide Hills‑grown expression from Tim and Nick Knappstein that captures all the finesse and drive this cool‑climate region can deliver in a standout vintage. Carrying serious accolades and critical praise, this is a modern Pinot Noir that feels both generous and precise in the glass.

On the nose it’s bright and complex, with lifted florals, fresh cherry, red berries and a fine thread of French oak spice, all framed by a subtle savoury edge of dried herbs and woodsmoke. The palate leans into juicy red and black cherry, raspberry cola brightness and a hint of cracked black pepper, supported by svelte, suede‑like tannins and a lightly dusty, lingering finish.

This is a Pinot to savour with food: think roast duck, slow‑braised lamb, grilled mushrooms, duck breast with cherries or Middle Eastern‑spiced lamb cutlets. The Sabre Pinot Noir 2024 grips the table with presence and length, yet stays fresh enough to keep you coming back to the glass long after dessert.