2020 Watervale Riesling

Pale green straw.

Intense lime and citrus fruits.

Powerful citrus notes with a wonderful fruit weight and length, all balanced by beautiful natural acid.

Drink now or cellar for 15-20 years.

This vineyard has classic Watervale soils - red loam over limestone with a westerly aspect. A dry grown vineyard - meaning it relies only on natural rainfall - the vines are hand-pruned and fruit hand-picked. The limestone allows the soil to retain moisture, which assists the wine throughout periods of warm weather, almost drought-proofing in the summer months. Viticultrual practices include vertical shoot positioning, which not only encourages even ripening but provides important shade to prevent the impact of sunburn on the wine.

Fruit is harvested by hand and stored undercover, with approximately seven tonnes being picked in one day. The fruit is de-stemmed and crushed then gently pressed, resulting in a fine free-run cut and a pressings component, which are handled separately. The free-run juice is chilled to preserve the vineyard expression and purity of fruit. Once the juice has settled, it is racked off solids and seeded with yeast. A cool, temperature-controlled fermentation is carried out over 10-14 days.

Alcohol - 12.5%

pH - 3.02

Acidity - 7.0g/L

94 points - WBM - Australia's Wine Business Magazine

"Such a reliable and excellent wine. All tension and raciness, piercing acidity of the lemon-lime kind, a slosh of juicy apple character loaded with lemon blossom and frangipani perfume. So refreshing. Needle-like in its thrust across the palate. Finishes fine and lightly powdery. Exceptionally long. One for now for acid hounds, but will cellar a few decades with ease." - Mike Bennie

92 points (silver) - The Real Review

"Aromas of grated lime zest and lemon sherbet make a pure, clean introduction to this succulent mouthful. It's supported by firm extract, and lemony acidity reinforces the theme. A classic example of Watervale riesling." - Ralph Kyte-Powell