Staff Wines
2008 Staff Riesling, $16
2008 Staff Baco Noir, $16
Jordan
Available only at winery.
There were rumours that 5th generation wine maker Sue-Ann Staff was off to launch her own brand while still maintaining her relationship as winemaster for John Howard Cellars (aka Megalomaniac). Thanks to twitter, I discovered that the rumours about the multi-award winning winemaker were true. During the weekend while running errands in Jordan, I followed the big red Logo on the roads to the family's 200 year old estate where she now hosts guests in her slick kitchen-tasting bar.
Sue-Ann is currently working on three varieties. A refreshingly clean Riesling that bursts with the right amount of acidity and citrus fruit. It is very easy to drink, I can imagine that it is an easy pairing for any dinner or by itself. Perfect for goat cheese salads or light barbecue. The Baco Noir is dry and has great aromatics, best suited for pasta dishes. I think this wine needs a few more years to really open up.
Sue-Ann recently bottled her third variety, the pinot gris. That should be available for tasting soon.
