FIND out how The Weekly Times wine writer PAUL SELLARS rates Brian Freeman's wines

  • 2008 Freeman Fortuna Pinot Gris Plus $25

AN UNUSUAL blend of pinot gris, riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and aleatico, each contributing something essential.

Pale gold in colour, with an exotic nose of honey, pear, marzipan, musk and floral notes. In the mouth there's pinot gris' pear-like flavour yet it is exceedingly complex.

The barrel-fermented chardonnay lends textural richness and the riesling provides a cleansing acidity.

  • 2008 Freeman Rondo Rose $20

IN ALL likelihood the only commercially available Australian rose made from the Italian variety rondinella, which shows just how well suited the variety can be to this style of wine.

Deep salmon coloured, with a complex nose of aniseed, cherry and orange peel. The earthy, bone-dry and Campari-like palate is rich and savoury, with notes of liquorice and spice.

  • 2008 Freeman Secco Rondinella Corvina $30

A WORTHY follow-up to the brilliant 2004,  demonstrating how a dried-grape component lends an extra dimension.

The palate displays lots of acidity and dusty, earthy, plum and sour cherry notes, carried along on fine, savoury tannins. A bargain given its labour-intensive production, bottle ageing for two years and its quality.