Table wine tax now 50c a bottle

Press, 26 August 1982, Page 14

Table wine tax now 50c a bottle

Maurice Hunter’s

GRAPEVINE

What a homecoming! Hardly was mv foot inside the door • than the budget announcement told me that sales tax on wine was increased by 30 per cent. The new tax became effective from midnight. August 5. It is applied by the wholesaler at the time of sale to the retailer, or the public. Retail prices may not be increased by the retailer on stock which has been bought at pre-budget prices, while the wholesaler was obliged to apply the new tax immediately. This means that until prebudget stock is exhausted by the retailer, the difference between wholesale and retail prices will be diminished. The retailer, however, will be the one to suffer eventually because it will cost him the amount of the tax increase to maintain the same level of stock. Prices are so much at sea these days that it is difficult to know what should be the normal price of a line. But, unless certain wines were on “special” at the time of the budget announcement, any increase may not be more than the actual tax incrase on what the purchaser has normally been paying. So it is illegal for any profit margin to be applied to the increased tax.

I was recently asked how anyone would know whether stock has been bought at the increased tax rate.

The answer is that, in any case in doubt, inspectors of the Department of Trade and Industry may demand to see supporting invoices. It would be a foolish operator who would try to make a few extra, dollars by increasing prices ahead of time. The following amounts may be added to norm-'l prices of stock bought at the increased tax rate. Table wines: 750 mis. 13c; 1 litre, 17c; 1.5 litres, 26c; 1.7 litres, 29c; 2 litres 34c; 2.25 litres, 39c; 3 litres, 51c; 4 litres, 68c. Fortified wine: 750 mis, 35c; 1.7 litres, 78c; 2.25 litres, $1.05. As a matter of interest, the Government tax take will now be 50c on every bottle of table wine, $1.14 on a 1.7 litre carafe, and $2.01 on each 3 litre bag-in-box. Fortified wines are much more affected, to the tune of 80c on a bottle of sherry or port, $l.BO on 1.7 litres and $2.34 on 2.25 litres.

It is not the function of this column to get into politi-

cal discussion. A post-budget Government statement that the tax increases were caused by concern about our level of alcholism has to me a rather hollow ring. Measure it against the creation of thousands of additional liquor outlets by the granting of ancillary licences to sporting bodies and other organisatons. These licences, incidentally, carry a privilege not permitted to any other licence holder; the supply of liquor to under-age drinkers. What a gloomy subject! This thing has happened, and now we must make the best of it. '

On the brighter side, I was greeted with information on Montana’s 1982 releases. Having been starved of the local product for some time, I lost no time in getting down to sampling — and a pleasant experience it was. Perhaps the least impressive was Blenheim Dry Chablis — but probably that is due to my palate as it is one which I have never been able to appreciate. It seemed to be better than my memory.of the 1981, but I would like to see more fruit quality and better balance.

The market leader, Blenheimer, was just as it should be. medium-sweet, flowery L uet, clean, fruity, and easy-drinking. The thing about a market leader is to keep it consistent. What it has is what most people want. The skill of the winemaker is to keep it that way year after year. Benmorven Riesling Sylvaner is, I think, a little drier this year. Basically it is made from the grape of its name. The skilful back-blend-ing of Dr Hogg muscat juice enhances both the bouquet and flavour, creating a wine of full body with a pleasant, lingering after taste. It is available this year in 1.7 litre carafes, in addition to 750 ml.

Wohnsiedler Muller Thurgau is straight Gisborne riesling sylvaner in which fermentation . has been suspended to leave a trace of natural sugar. The result is a wine of softness, but with a crisp finish which titillates the taste buds with an Oliver Twist effect!

Moving now to the quaffers, I found the bag-in-box Ormond Chandos and Hassendean to be greatly improved on last year. It looks as though 1982 will be a good year all round. Both the moselle- style Chandos and the dry Hassendean are clean, well-blended, and of good balance. The Hassendean, in particular, is most palatable. The best effort yet in this style.

In the reds, Fairhall River Claret is especially enjoyable. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and pinotage, it has a deep ruby colour. I find it hard to believe that it is from the current year’s vintage, such is the excellent balance for so young a wine. The cabernet character is evident from the bouquet right through to the flavour. The tannin in the finish is absolutely right. It is available this year in' four packs: 750 mis, 1 litre, 2.7 litres and 3 litre bag-in-box, and is easily the best red about at the price. Also released this year is the ’Bl pinotage. Pinotage is more often than not decried by the wine buffs, but properly handled it is capable of producing a good wine. It has been Montana's specialty for some years, and has always been consistently good. This vintage is ho exception. The light, clear red colour is followed through by good varietal character and balance - a most enjoyable taste experience. J Looking for some reds to put away quietly for a year or so? You couldn't go wrong with either of these — or both!