In late 2018 Mansfield winemaker Ros Ritchie opened a new Cellar Door and Function Centre within the historic Magnolia House – a late 1800s American Victorian-era kit home that was shipped to Melbourne as ballast, and on to the High Country via steam train by then owner Harry Amor of the Mansfield Courier. Constructed in 1908, the venue is a fascinating place for sampling Ros’ premium cool climate wines. Essentials dropped in to explore a handful of highly aromatic and delightful drops.
Ros Ritchie 2015 Gewürztraminer
Hand picked from rows 1-27 of Deadman’s Hill Vineyard, Mansfield Victoria, this wine features gorgeous elevated floral aromas of musk, honey dew melon and gentle citrus that are striking. The mouth feel is supple and soft yet balanced with a clean cool climate acidity that intensifies the fresh and ripe crunchy nashi pear summer fruit appeal. A divine seamless wine that’s showing some wonderful aged characteristics yet retaining a very youthful freshness. Perfect as an aperitif, or paired with sashimi, grilled prawns or a more decedent lobster dish.
Ros Ritchie 2017 Pinot Noir Rose
Hand picked from O block of Barwite Vineyard, Barwite Victoria. With a bright strawberry colour in the glass this is a perfect spring summer (or any time of year) wine, bursting with fragrances of strawberries, stewed rhubarb and sour cherry. The mouth feel is clean and lively with a fresh acid balance filling the palate with juicy sour cherry and gentle touches of musk. Additional layers of deeper more complex pinot noir favours are present with subtle, very fine tannins broadening the mouth feel. A class leading wine that stands tall on its own. Simply a stunner.
Ros Ritchie 2014 Riesling
Hand picked from rows 35-64 of Barwite Vineyard, Barwite Victoria. Displaying beautifully developed aged characteristics including bright and lively aromas of cumquats, lime and ripe grapefruit – this elegant wine also boasts complex layered mineral notes and a touch of oiliness. Its colour is currently deep straw. Regardless of its age, the wine is drinking with a surprisingly clean and bright acidity. Juicy, fresh favours of lime and grapefruit linger on the palate. The finish presents with some attractive subtle mineral notes. While we suggest this wine makes a grand aperitif; given it’s lively acidity, pairing with cheeses and fruits would prove a wonderful match; as would grilled prawns and other seafood dishes. A wonderful wine that’s sure to continue to improve as it further ages.
The Ros Ritchie Wines’ presents the ‘Magnolia Club’ – Friday night drinks with free nibbles and live music on most weeks – check the website for details. Cellar Door open Fridays from 11am-8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm.
Ros Ritchie Wines
190 Mt Buller Rd, Mansfield, Victoria
Tel 0448 900 541
rosritchiewines.com
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