Wine INTERNATIONAL Magazine

Spring came early to central London as hundreds of fine wines from Down Under were uncorked or unscrewed.

The list of wineries present read like a Who's Who of Australian fine wine: -. .Ben Glaetzer, Charlie Melton and Green Point's Tony Jordan were among the winemakers.

With names such as Stickleback - and blends such as Viognier Pinot Gris - Australian winemakers are still obviously enjoying the freedom to experiment.

Heartland Petit Verdot 2002

Heartland Viognier Pinot Gris 2003

Langhorne Creek, South Australia

And now for something completely different: a single varietal Petit Verdot from fledgling winery, Heartland. With winemaking in the hands of innovative Ben Glaetzer, it seems hardly surprising that this wine caused a stir on its launch last year. Another favourite, however, was the Viognier/Pinot Gris 2003. With abundant aromas of wallflowers - think laburnum and wisteria - this has a good backbone of lime and melon. Drink 2004 -2006