Magpie is a joint venture between noted Barossa winemaker Rolf Binder and Cambridge-based wine merchant Noel Young. Both Rolf and Noel have a passion for Rhone varietals and this comes through in their wines, which use fruit from 15 long-favoured sites in the premium northern Barossa, drawing on Rolf's deep understanding of the area... Noel then sneaks out into the night in a rubber catsuit and steals all the best fruit from these growers! The labels celebrate a superstitious theme, saluting the magpie, and we count ourselves lucky to have them aboard.

Eden Valley Riesling is prized for its vibrancy, purity and longevity and has produced many of Australia's greatest Rieslings. The fruit for Rag & Bone is sourced from Binder's single vineyard, high up on the Eastern side of Eden Valley. Warm days and cool nights ensure that the grapes develop ripe, intense fruit flavours whilst retaining appealing zing and acidity.

The fruit was delivered to the winery immediately after harvesting in the cool hours of the morning, then processed very gently through our tank press. Free run and pressing portions were determined by Christa, using her vast experience with this variety. A Ratafia style wine was made from the pressings and the free run juice was used to make this wine. The juice was cold settled and 3 days later the clear juice was transferred into fermentation tanks. Bottling took place in the middle of June.

Well suited to seafood dishes, spicy cuisine and anytime in the company of those who enjoy a quality riesling! Try chilli prawns, green thai curry, fish and chicken laksa (with chilli, coconut, ginger and lime).

2020 Sommelier Wine Awards Silver