DRINKING WINDOW: 5+ Years
A dry winter and early spring was relieved by 60mm of rain in the first week of November. Consistently warm conditions through late spring and early summer provided ideal ripening conditions with no disease pressure, also bringing expected harvest dates forward. Persistent heat through December and most of January were also followed by a 60mm rain event in the last week of January followed by a long spell of mild temperatures providing the vines with some much needed respite, slowing sugar ripening down and thus providing increased flavour development. Harvest dates mostly returned to normality and the balance of seed and flavour ripeness was the best I have seen since 2010.
The fruit is sourced from three small, high altitude (420-450m) blocks of Eden Valley Riesling. Planted in late 70’s and early 80’s on shallow grey sandy loam soils with underlying granite, on south-east facing slopes. These blocks provide the ideal site characteristics for premium Riesling production.
Fruit was destemmed, and chilled before being bag pressed under inert gas conditions. One third of the juice underwent a 5 day solid suspension followed by clean racking and inoculation with selected yeast, while the remaining two thirds were treated more traditionally with a cold settling period of 48hrs, before racking and inoculation with selected yeast. Fermentation was kept cool, between 11-15C to keep fermentation rate slow and retain aromatics. The components were combined in May, minimal fining additions were used to prepare the wine for bottle mid June.
Lemon zest and marmalade are complemented by hints of fresh ginger and buttery shortbread. A textured palate is balanced by bright, vibrant acidity, creating a wine of freshness, depth and impressive length.
95 POINTS, THE REAL REVIEW
"Lovely aromatics, very Eden Valley, the palate subtle and dry, refined and stylish with clearly defined regional character. Purity and length: a superb riesling." - Huon Hooke
