She turned to look at him. They were standing quite close and she was nearly as tall as he was so her eyes looked directly into his. He could see a sparkle of excitement.

“At first it was quite tart, almost acidic, but after I swallowed it was different, fruity…passionfruit I’d say, then there was a clean crisp finish.”

She kept looking at him, those deep brown eyes watching him carefully.

“That’s it.” He picked up the bottle and pointed to the label. “The variety is sauvignon blanc semillon, or SBS as we call it, from the Margaret River region. The winemaker is yours truly and now it has a name.” He poured more wine into her glass and picked up his own. It was all falling into place. With or without Euan, he was moving forward with this wine. When people were lining up to buy it, Euan wouldn’t be able to go back to only producing single varietals. “Here’s to Scarecrow. The latest creation from Levallier Dell wines in their Haystack series.”

Keely touched her glass to his and they both took a sip.

“I’ve entered it in a wine show.”

“With this?” Keely pointed to the handwritten label.

“It’s only a small local show. That’s all it needs. The wine has to speak for itself. Besides, I hadn’t decided on the label until I saw your sketch.”

“I can’t believe my artwork will be on the bottles. It’s so exciting.” She took another sip. “I think I could get the hang of this wine tasting.”

“Well, if that’s the case, you can help me taste the red.” He put down his glass and picked up two more from the sink. “Finish your wine then follow me. The steps are a bit rickety so wait till I’ve put the lights on.” He was pleased Keely had liked the wine. It had been different with Kat. She understood it all from a winemaker’s point of view but Keely was like a clean slate, she was keen to learn and he was enjoying the role of instructor.

* * *

Euan replaced the phone in the base and put a pod in the coffee machine. He wanted to make a few calls while Flynn wasn’t about.

He’d headed off earlier saying he was taking Keely out for a drive. That was a good thing for both of them. Euan was pleased to see them together. Flynn could do with someone like Keely. It was a shame she had moved to the studio but Euan understood her reasons and at least it meant she was staying on at Levallier Dell a bit longer.