The dictionary definition of ‘Riposte’ (pronounced rip-posst) is comeback, reply, retort, or in the context of the sport of fencing a quick counter stroke. After over a decade of confusion about his name ‘Riposte’ was chosen as an appropriate name for a ‘comeback label’ by Tim Knappstein.

Lush dark berry fruit with striking floral edges combine on the nose of the Dagger Pinot Noir to create a fresh yet complex attack on the senses. Lifted rich fruit and spice parry along the palate to a finish of fine-grained tannin and bright acidity. The Dagger has been honed to create a vibrant, rich, earlier drinking wine displaying all of the hallmark aromas flavours and texture of Pinot Noir. Drink young while the edge is keen. The grapes for ‘The Dagger’ are from Charleston and Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills.

II've seen this Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir 2022 down to as low as $19 a bottle. It's a steal at that price. Buy buy buy! Indeed, I judged with Tim Knappstein back in March and he was pretty happy with this Pinot too. Bright raspberry juicy fruit aplenty in this Adelaide Hills Pinot – like biting into a raspberry! A bit of glacé raspberry, too, from some whole berry carbonic action. Juicy, varietal, no tannins, but so much lovely fruit. Just a little broad to finish. Lovely drink in the best way possible. Would I buy it? Absolutely. Rated: 92 Points; Andrew Graham; Australian Wine Review

A fine Adelaide Hills Pinot, which offers excellent value, from a cracking vintage. The colour is a vibrant garnet. The aromas are fresh berry, some earthiness, fungal, animal hide, root vegetables and red berries here with hints of sarsaparilla. This is a slightly burly, flavour-first style. The palate exhibits some cold tea notes with decent length so there is no apparent reason why this won’t be providing pleasure for at least the next four years. Tasted: July 2023; Drink: 2023 - 2027; Price: $24.00; Rating: 92 Points; Ken Gargett

Can’t go wrong here. It offers cherry-berry fruit flavours with lashings of sweet spice, floral notes acting as the icing. It’s lively, open for business, a touch minty perhaps but 100% varietal, in the most positive of ways. You’d go this any day of the week. Tasted: Feb 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $26; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2023-2027; Rated: 91 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

Finely composed and charming, the wine shows ripe cherry, floral, olive and warm spice nuances on the nose, leading to a silky-smooth palate that’s juicy and beautifully rounded. Tannins are fine and just right, offering elegant frame and length to this delightfully appealing pinot. At its best: now to 2030. $24.00. Rating: 93 Points; Sam Kim