Six Questions with.... Tim Knappstein of Riposte

One of the legendary names of Australian wine making, Tim Knappstein started the Enterprise and Tim Knappstein Wines labels in 1969 and built these companies up over the next two decades.  His personal reputation as a winemaker in Clare Valley became unquestionable during this period, but then in 1994 he severed all ties with the companies that bore his name. Over a decade later, he formed Riposte with his wife Dale and son Nick. As part of our efforts to introduce you to the people who make your wine, we asked him six questions...

If you weren't a winemaker, what job would you do?

Formula One Driver

Describe yourself in three words.

Innovative, Meticulous, Adventurous

Aside from your own wines, what do you drink at home?

Hunter Valley Semillon, cool climate Shiraz, Clare Valley Riesling and Gin & Tonic at 6pm!

What is the best, and worst, wines you have ever made?

The worst is Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc (horribly green), the best - I haven't made it yet.

What is your most prized possession?

A 1969 Datsun 240Z Rally Car

Name three people, real or fictional, living or dead, that would be guests at your ideal dinner party and what would you be drinking?

Niki Lauda, Winston Churchill and Napoleon. The wines would be all Aussie - 2002 Arras Ed Carr, 2005 Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon, 2006 Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling, 2010 Riposte 'The Sabre' Pinot Noir, 2009 Shaw & Smith Shiraz, 2010 Wynns Alex 88 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon and we might need a Cognac for Winston!