A fairly new arrival on the Aussie wine scene, Chain of Ponds has created quite a reputation since their first commercial vintage in 1993. There are around 150 acres of vines, planted in 1988, and at an altitude of 300–400 m, this is a relatively cool climate region. My verdict? While these wines are consistently very good, the Riesling, Sauvignon/Semillon and Semillon didn't quite hit the spot for me. Perhaps they need a year or so to open out? My pick of the bunch was the delicious Shiraz, followed by the intense Chardonnay. Prices should be hovering around the £10 mark for most of these.

Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Riesling 2000
Fresh, bright citrussy nose leads to a nice fruity palate. This is very lively and shows good concentration. Very good.

Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2000
Showing lush fruit, this is a ripe, modern wine with a boiled sweets edge to the nose. Good/very good

Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Semillon 2000
An easy drinking Semillon with a bright, fresh nose and lush, ripe fruit on the palate. Good/very good

Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Corkscrew Road Chardonnay 2000
Fermented and matured in a mixture of 30% new/70% old French oak, and spends 9 months on the lees. Rich, toasty, nutty nose with some new oak evident. Palate is concentrated, nutty and figgy, with lean, savoury fruit. Very good+

Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Ledge Shiraz 1998
Shows a pronounced, minty, menthol-edged nose. The cool-climate palate is rich and minty, with eucalyptus-tinged fruit. Lovely stuff. Very good/excellent

Chain of Ponds Adelaide Hills Amadeus Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Restrained, leafy blackcurrant fruit on the nose: this is very cool climate in character. Rich fruit on the palate with some tannins underneath. Very good