Esteemed by connoisseurs and lauded with an impressive 96/100 score by James Suckling, this dry Riesling exemplifies the prowess of Germany's noble grape variety known for its remarkable longevity and the ability to convey a vineyard's unique character. When we say "dry," we mean it unequivocally. We prioritize a pure expression of terroir, fermenting fully ripened grapes to produce a Riesling devoid of high acidity and sugar, free from petrol notes, and brimming with authentic Riesling fruit aromas.
This wine shines as a testament to its terroir and the vigneron's artistry. Expect a captivating blend of power and purity, with crispness and honeyed aromas beautifully complemented by profound minerality. It carries an air of elegance, tantalizing the palate with a seductive mouthfeel and a lingering, memorable finish.
Vintage 2018+
In January, Marlborough saw some of its hottest temperatures on record. We took a cautious approach, lightly leaf-plucking the grapes to prevent overexposure to sunlight and avoid any petroleum-like characteristics in the wine.
The long, dry growing season with abundant sunshine hours provided an ideal vintage lead-up. We carefully handpicked impeccably healthy, flavourful berries from low-yielding vines, resulting in perfectly ripened fruit with stunning perfume. Riesling, hailed as Germany's great noble variety, could arguably be considered the world's finest white grape due to its remarkable longevity and its ability to convey a vineyard's unique character.
Hans' Winemaking Comments
Carefully destemmed and partially crushed, the exquisite berries beckoned for an extended skin maceration, allowing me to extract their mesmerizing flavours. I gently pressed and transferred the juice into one 500-liter French oak puncheon for a natural (wild yeast) fermentation to capture its unique terroir and sense of place. Notably, there's no residual sugar left in this wine. Throughout the first six months of its journey, I stirred the fine lees, contributing to its exceptional silkiness, complexity, and depth. The young wine luxuriated in the same barrel for a full year, maturing and evolving into a nectar of immense enjoyment. I deliberately avoided cold stabilization and chose not to fine the wine (vegan), only lightly filtering it to preserve the incredible aromas.
Tasting Notes+
This Riesling is a genuine embodiment of terroir and winemaking prowess. It captivates with its intensely aromatic nose, followed by a soft yet potent mouthfeel and enduring freshness. Crisp notes of citrus, ripe peach, and Williams pear transition seamlessly to flavours of lime, grapefruit, and exotic lychee, complemented by subtle herbal hints. With well-balanced acidity and an exceptionally long, dry, and refreshing finish, it promises a tantalizing tasting experience. Delicate yet powerful on the palate, it's truly scrumptious!
Technical Data +
Food Matching Suggestions+
Dry and elegant makes it one of the most versatile wines to match!
Industry Reviews+
James Suckling - 96 Points
'A stunning dry riesling with sliced pear, apple, flowers and honey. White pepper, too. Full body. Bitter lemon and hints of honey come through. Creamy and beautiful. Like a grand cru riesling. Tiny production. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.'
