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Riesling
One of the world's great grape varieties and the acknowledged king of German vineyards, also important in Alsace, Riesling goes through a number of ripening phases making it incredibly varied. Picked early it can form a base wine for Methode Champenoise; a little later, it makes a wonderfully crisp, aromatic lemon-lime filled dry white. A little riper the grapes produce an excellent, slightly sweet 'Spatlese' wine, later again an 'Auslese', and so on. In Australia, crisp, minerally, citrus-led styles dominate, with regions like South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia producing the finest examples. Fish, shellfish and crustaceans are perfect partners. Browse our top rated Riesling wines here.
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2019 A. Christmann Reiterpfad-Hofstuck Riesling Grosses GewachsPfalz, GERMANY$150. 00Bottle$1800.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2019 Reiterpfad-Hofstück GG is still slightly reductive, opening to a precise and flinty-scented bouquet with tropical fruit aromas and generous ripeness and warmth but also precision. On the palate, this is an intense and juicy yet refined and elegant Riesling from Ruppertsberg. The finish is crystalline and pure, with a lingering salty flavor, but also powerful and aromatic.
92 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Aug 2020)Ripe yellow grapefruit meets a whole garden of herbs and a small iceberg. A generous but precisely proportioned wine with dark finesse, if that doesn't sound too crazy. Great energy at the bold finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification.
96 points
Stuart Pigott - jamessuckling.com![30000293_1.jpg]()
- 95
2017 A. Christmann Reiterpfad-Hofstuck Riesling Grosses GewachsPfalz, GERMANY$130. 00Bottle$1560.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
A fabulous GG to drink now, thanks to an exotic-fruit character that's totally ripe yet so delicate, the succulence not a jot too much. Great balance through the long, very polished finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Drink or hold.
95 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com![30010021_1.jpg]()
- 96
2016 A. Christmann Idig Riesling Grosses GewachsPfalz, GERMANY$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
The delicious paradox of this great dry riesling is the way it is built on an imposing scale, but is very pure and super straight without any hint of heaviness, even on the very long powerful finish. You'll need to be patient for at least a couple of years if you want to experience all the subtle nuances, but the ripe mirabelle note is already delightful. At least thirty years of ageing potential.
96 points
Stuart Pigott - jamessuckling.comFor once orchard fruit getsthe upper hand on meadow herbs in a Christmann Grosses Gewächs, but not in a heavy-handed but rather delightfully animating way. Fine mineral and herbal notions add interest and the merest hint of residual sugar serves only to increase the Idig’s power of seduction. I liked the 2014 for its subtlety, but think the 2016 deserves an extra half point for elegance.
18/20 points
Michael Schmidt - jancisrobinson.com![64000494_1.jpg]()
- 99
2017 A. Christmann Idig Riesling Grosses Gewachs Magnum (1500ml)Pfalz, GERMANY$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Welcome to the dry-riesling deep end. However, you'll need some patience, if you want to experience this greatness to the full. Descriptors like mirabelle and apricot only hint at what this gentle giant has to offer. Enormously long, hyper-mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Better from 2019.
99 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com![1056489_1.jpg]()
- 95
2018 A. Christmann Reiterpfad-Hofstuck Riesling Grosses GewachsPfalz, GERMANY$130. 00Bottle$1560.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Bitter lemons and orange pith, as well as barely ripe nectarines and loquat. Medium-to full-bodied with raw power to the acidity and crystalline purity to the citrus fruit. Long and mineral on the finish.
95 Points
jamesuckling.com![30000294_1.jpg]()
- 99
2017 A. Christmann Idig Riesling Grosses GewachsPfalz, GERMANY$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Welcome to the dry-riesling deep end. However, you'll need some patience, if you want to experience this greatness to the full. Descriptors like mirabelle and apricot only hint at what this gentle giant has to offer. Enormously long, hyper-mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Respekt certified. Better from 2019.
99 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com![60089200_1.jpg]()
- 95
2015 Adam & Haart Goldtropfchen Riesling AusleseMosel, GERMANY$120. 00Bottle$1440.00 DozenABV: 7.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2015 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese is the botrytis selection of the terraced Laychen plot that mainly sources the dry Riesling cru. From ungrafted 70-year-old vines, this Auslese opens stunningly clear, fresh and stony on the nose, with flinty flavors and remarkably fine and precise fruit aromas. This is a very well defined, finessed and mineral Auslese with some Saar features, although it is more lush and tender, of course. The finish is pure and stony, very fine and piquant, with lots of salt and stimulating finesse. A great and gorgeous Mosel Auslese!
95 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate #230 (April 2017)![60089199_1.jpg]()
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2015 A.J. Adam Hofberg Riesling SpatleseMosel, GERMANY$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 7.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2015 Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Spätlese comes from the warmer part of the cru and from 60+ year old vines that were picked botrytis-free in the end of October. The wine offers a super precise, fresh and intense bouquet of perfectly ripe Riesling berries intermixed with cool, crystalline-clear slate and flint aromas that give an exciting counterpoint. On the palate, this is a highly piquant and elegant, very finessed and lush Spätlese. It has a gorgeously elegant, balanced and stimulatingly salty finish. This is a picture-book Spätlese from the 2015 vintage and comes highly recommended.
93 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate #230 (April 2017)![6650468_1.jpg]()
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2017 A.T. Richardson Chockstone RieslingGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $22.99$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2018-2024)ABV: 11.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Lifted lime juice top notes intermix with lemon, green apple and steely mineral notes. There’s good intensity to the refreshing lime juice and citrus flavours which are underscored by some granny smith apple elements, wet steel and mineral. Finishes dry with crunchy acidity and a long lime juice, citrus, green apple, wet steel and mineral aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 11.5%Other Reviews…
I'm guilty of not including the Grampians as a high quality regional producer of riesling in Australia-wide comparisons. The perfumed bouquet of lime and apple blossom leads into a long, mouthwatering burst of lime/lemon, crisp acidity the icing on the cake. Drink by 2032.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion![2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling]()
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2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower RieslingGreat Southern, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: 5 - 6 Years (2027-2028)ABV: 12.3%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Top notes of lime juice and Granny Smith apple are followed by some wet steel and chalky mineral scents. Crunchy, taut and bursting with energy, lime juice and Granny Smith apple flavours are backed by a core of steely acidity. Lemon and flinty mineral characters flow onto a tightly wound yet zesty aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.3%![908637_1.jpg]()
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2020 Ad Hoc Wallflower RieslingGreat Southern, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2021-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like core with greenish tinged edges. Pronounced lemon and lime juice scents are followed by green apple, wet steel and slatey mineral notes. Mouth watering flavours of lime juice drive the palate with lemon, granny smith apple and steely mineral characters lying underneath. Snappy acidity leads into a long piercing finish that has an austere feel to it.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 12.5%![908417_1.jpg]()
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2018 Ad Hoc Wallflower RieslingGreat Southern, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like core with a distinct tinge of green to the edges. Intense lime, lemon and granny smith apple scents jump out of the glass followed by chalky talc and steely mineral notes. Racy lemon and lime fruits have a crunchy feel backed by snappy acidity. Granny smith apple, wet steel and flinty mineral characters lie beneath. Finishes dry and taut with an exceptionally long, mouth watering aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12%
Other Reviews….
Wallflower indeed. The bouquet is full of high-pitched citrus and wild flower aromas, the palate beating a tattoo of drums with its intensity and insistent length. The name suggests it's a shy and unassuming wine, and I totally disagree with that. The value offered needs no comment. Drink by 2030.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion-
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2021 Adelina Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)ABV: 11.6%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with a delicate greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. Aromas of lime and red apple are followed by whiffs of orange blossom, honeysuckle and spice. Crunchy lime juice flavours mix with red apple, infusions of orange blossom and flinty mineral characters. Finishes dry with crisp acidity and a tangy like aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 11.6%
Other Reviews….
“Gullyview ’01 plantings, red loamy clay over limestone, east-west orientation, 400m elevation. Kloock early ’90s planting, light brown loam over limestone, north-south orientation, 420m elevation.” Classic Watervale, with floral perfume, concentration of flavour and succulence, ripe lime, a powdery crushed stone texture, and a mouth-watering finish of excellent length. Drink 2021-2030+
94 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
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2021 Adelina Polish Hill River Ruchioch RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)ABV: 11.6%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with a distinct ring of green skirting around the edges and a watery hue. Pronounced lime and red apple scents mix with orange blossom, light wet steel and mineral notes. Fresh lemon and lime zest fruits drive the palate, underpinned by steely acidity which gives it a tense feel. Finishes dry with a long, focused aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 11.6%
Other Reviews….
“Smith Family Vineyard, Ruchioch block. ’00 plantings, grey sandy loam on shale and limestone, east-west orientation, 465m elevation.”
Interesting style here, and while it’s made the same way as the Watervale and Polish Hill, it’s quite different. Vanilla and white flower perfume, citrus and cider apple, zesty character too, with a fine powdery texture, and a slightly sour-edged finish of fine length. Drink 2021-2027+
93 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
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2021 Adelina Polish Hill River RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)ABV: 10.2%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with a light tinge of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Lifted lime and red apple scents mix with a whiff of honeysuckle, orange blossom and subtle flinty mineral notes. Light and crunchy the palate is decorated with lime and green apple fruits with subtle infusions of orange blossom in the background. Dry mineral flint infused finish with crisp acidity and a tense, snappy aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc 10.2% ![2023 Alkoomi Grazing Collection Late Harvest]()
2023 Alkoomi Grazing Collection Late HarvestFrankland River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenABV: 11%Closure: StelvinProduced from estate-grown fruit which was harvested in the early hours of the morning before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel to preserve fruit freshness and delicacy. This Late Harvest wine has unctuous residual sugar that pairs perfectly with spicy Asian fusion food or served on those really hot summer days, with a handful of ice and a wedge of lime.
Alc. 11%![2023 Alpha Box & Dice Very Special Clare Valley Riesling]()
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2023 Alpha Box & Dice Very Special Clare Valley RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinAlpha Box & Dice, located in McLaren Vale, is undertaking a "Wine Alphabet" project where each 'letter' represents a distinct winemaking venture, aiming to create a comprehensive collection of wines that showcase the various styles and grape varieties found in the well-known wine regions of South Australia, such as McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and the Barossa Valley.
This Riesling (from Auburn, Clare Valley) was planted in 2002, at an elevation of 460m-470m. Harvested at night and gently pressed to tank where it is fermented at very cool temperatures for 2 months until dry.
Brilliant water like core with a faint tinge of green around the outskirts. Jumping out of the glass are intense lime, citrus and orange rind scents which intermix with talc, green apple and chalky mineral notes. Mouth watering, the palate is awash with a concentrate of lime and citrus fruits which are framed by a tight steely core. Some green apple, orange rind, chalky talc and mineral characters lend support. Despite its steely nature it shows plenty of textural volume. Crunchy acidity finishing dry and long.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%![906360_1.jpg]()
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2017 Ansgar Clusserath Vom Schiefer Trocken RieslingMosel, GERMANY$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2019-2024)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinBright pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Lime, red apple and honeysuckle aromas emerge from the glass followed by hints of mandarin, light orange blossom and mineral. Light and bracing the palate has red apple and honeysuckle flavours overlaying a back drop of lime, citrus and slatey minerals. Finishes dry with tangy acidity and a medium length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 11%![1056204_1.jpg]()
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2019 Atlas Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like core with greenish tinged edges. Intense lime and citrus aromas dominate the nose with elements of orange rind, talc and subtle slate also evident. Mouth watering lime, citrus and orange flavours burst across the palate underpinned by talc and flinty mineral characters. Finishes dry with crunchy acidity and a long zesty aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12%![2022 ATR Wines Chockstone Riesling]()
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2022 ATR Wines Chockstone RieslingGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2023-2031)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Intense lime and lemon scents infused with wet steel mix with subtle kerosene and mineral notes. Racy lemon and lime fruits sizzle across the palate with some Granny Smith apple, orange rind and steely mineral characters lurking underneath. Excellent concentration combines with zippy razor like acidity to form a long crunchy mineral laced finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews…..
Intensity of flavour is quite remarkable here. This really explodes onto the palate. Lemon, green pineapple, slate and musk characters drive straight and true, start to finish, all the way through to a (very) lengthy finish. This will mature over the long term. Drink by 2037.
95 Points
Campbell Mattinson – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion![2021 ATR Wines Chockstone Grampians Riesling]()
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2021 ATR Wines Chockstone Grampians RieslingGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $21.99$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2022-2030)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like core with greenish tinged edges. Intense lime juice, lemon and orange rind scents flow from the glass with some wet steel and minerally notes also evident. Mouth tingling lime, lemon and orange rind flavours flood the mouth underpinned by a vein of racy acidity. Superb concentration and power with notions of faint honeysuckle, chalky talc and steely mineral characters lingering on the back half. Dry crunchy finish with a long scrumptious aftertaste that’s delivered with great precision.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12%
Other Reviews....
Wild-yeast fermentation, leaving a touch of residual sugar. Riesling is the winemaker's great strength and passion and it shows clearly each vintage. You could drown in the aromatic beauty of the scent: white flowers, lime, green apple, lemon zest, spice and musk. Dry and stylish acidity (it's the only word to describe the combination of bright and soft acidity) caress the palate, mouth-wateringly so. A touch of barely there sugar helps amplify the depth of fruit. A delight. Drink by 2033.
96 points
Jeni Port - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion![2022 Auld Family Wines Wilberforce Riesling]()
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2022 Auld Family Wines Wilberforce RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2022-2026)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a subtle tinge of green around the edges. Jumping out of the glass are distinct lemon and lime scents which are complimented by some orange rind, talc and light mineral notes. Very concentrated and powerful the palate is filled with lime, citrus and orange rind fruits which engulf every corner of the mouth. Chalky talc and mineral characters lie underneath. A viscous texture counterpointed by crunchy acidity. Finishes long and scrumptious.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 11%![2022 Barking Mad Watervale Riesling]()
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2022 Barking Mad Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $13.99$12. 99Bottle$155.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2022-2026)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Intense lime and citrus aromas flood the nostrils with some orange rind, talc and steely mineral notes also present. Concentrated lime and citrus fruits are underpinned by crunchy acidity with notions of orange rind, talc and chalky mineral characters also chiming in. Dry zesty finish with a long scrumptious aftertaste. Superb value.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12%![2021 Barking Mad Watervale Riesling]()
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2021 Barking Mad Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinEstate grown at Reillys 'St Clare' vineyard, Watervale and pressed within 2 hours of picking to maintain freshness. Brilliant very pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Leaping out of the glass are intense lemon and lime aromatics which are trailed by orange rind and distinct talc notes. Concentrated lime and lemon fruits are totally mouthfilling with some orange rind, talc and flinty mineral characters lying underneath. Crunchy acidity with a long scrumptious aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12%![50032996_1.jpg]()
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2020 Barking Mad Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinEstate grown at Reillys 'St Clare' vineyard, Watervale and pressed within 2 hours of picking to maintain freshness. Brilliant very pale straw almost water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Intense lime and lemon zest aromas mix with orange rind, light talc and flinty mineral notes. Crunchy lime, lemon and orange rind flavours drive the mouth watering palate with talc and flinty characters hanging off a dry racy finish. Excellent concentration with a long crisp aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12%![905517_1.jpg]()
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2018 Barking Mad Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$13. 99Bottle$167.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2019-2022)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. An uplifted combination of lime, citrus and orange rind fills the nostrils with some steely mineral notes also evident. Mouth watering lime and citrus flavours display good intensity with subtle orange rind, wet steel and mineral characters on the crisp dry finish. Concludes long, vibrant and crunchy.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12%![6639723_1.jpg]()
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2017 Barking Mad Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$13. 99Bottle$167.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2018-2021)ABV: 11.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the outskirts. Intense lime, citrus and orange rind aromas overlay chalky talc and light mineral notes. Racy lime and citrus flavours dominate the palate with orange, talc and mineral elements also chiming in. Dry finish with crunchy fresh acidity. Aftertaste of lime, citrus, orange rind and talcy mineral characters.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 11.5%![2023 Basileus Riesling]()
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2023 Basileus RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with a greenish tinge to the outskirts. Pronounced lemon and lime aromas jump out of the glass followed by some orange rind, chalky talc and steely mineral notes. Searingly crisp acidity underpins lime and lemon fruits with some orange rind, wet steel and flinty mineral elements lingering through the finish which is dry, zesty and long.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%![904424_1.jpg]()
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2016 Bellarmine Dry RieslingPemberton, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 6 - 8 Years (2023-2025)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Intense lime, lemon and orange aromas are overlaid by a faint whiff of kerosene with steely mineral end notes. Dry with a steely structural feel the palate has a tightly wound core of lemon and lime flavours spun around a steely spine. Crisp, flinty mineral finish. Long aftertaste of lemon, lime, wet steel and flinty mineral.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 12%
Other Reviews…
Right in the slot of the Bellarmine Riesling style. The floral bouquet of lemon, lime and apple blossom leads into a fresh, crisp palate with minerally acidity woven through the fruit and providing both length and drive. The wine needs 4-5 years to fully flower, but is already enticing.
Drink by 2027.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion![906995_1.jpg]()
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2018 Bellwether Tasmanian RieslingTasmania, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 6 - 8 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Zippy lime and lemon scents are married to orange rind, wet steel and mineral notes. Tight and focused, crunchy lime, lemon and granny smith apple flavours are threaded by razor sharp acidity leaving a steely mineral back drop in their wake. Dry austere finish showing excellent line and length right through to the aftertaste.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 12%![2022 Best’s Great Western Riesling]()
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2022 Best’s Great Western RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2022-2030)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinRiesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best’s ‘Nursery Block’ vineyard in the 1860s. Subsequent plantings followed in 1944 (since removed), 1978 and 1998. Always very flavoursome and very age worthy, the Best’s Great Western Rieslings are renown for their beautiful balance, texture and aromatics. The low yielding 2022 crop resulted in Riesling with a high concentration of flavour.
A delicious, highly flavoursome Best’s Riesling that shows plenty of zing.
Brilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Drifting out of the glass with plenty of intensity are aromas of lime, red apple and orange blossom followed by hints of honeysuckle, citrus and minerals. Mouth watering flavours of lime, red apple and mandarin are delivered with terrific concentration over a delicate honeysuckle, talc and mineral background. Zesty acidity with a long, powerful dry finish that has plenty of zing to it.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews….
A succulent and elegant Australian dry riesling with tons of crisp pear, white-peach and white-flower aromas. Very good concentration and excellent balance on the medium-bodied palate. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
94 points
JamesSuckling.com
The fruit for this 2022 Riesling is from the Great Western region in Victoria. The mother vines were planted in 1866 in the Nursery Block, a proud and very long history behind what is now a routinely great value wine. On the nose, salted lemon flesh, grapefruit, Granny Smith apples, talc and spring flowers adorn the aromas, while the palate falls in syncopated step. The palate has a deceptive richness that belies the light nose, while the finish lingers well beyond the wine itself. Wonderful, excellent and impressive. Drink 2023-2033.
94 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate![2021 Best’s Great Western Riesling]()
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2021 Best’s Great Western RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2022-2030)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinRiesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best’s ‘Nursery Block’ vineyard in the 1860s. Subsequent plantings followed in 1944 (since removed), 1978 and 1998. Always very flavoursome and very age worthy, the Best’s Great Western Rieslings are renown for their beautiful balance, texture and aromatics.
Brilliant water like core with a distinct glimmer of green around the outskirts. Intense lime zest, red apple and orange blossom scents fill the nostrils. Notions of mandarin, talc and minerals also chime in. Zippy lime, lemon and orange rind flavours race across the palate underpinned by zesty acidity. Tangy mandarin and flinty mineral elements lend further interest. Finishes dry with a long racy aftertaste.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11%Other Reviews….
A super-fresh riesling with lightly spicy edges to the lemon and sliced-pear fruit. There’s green apple on the palate and a dry, crisp run to the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink this young.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com
As ever, a very distinguished riesling, its fluid power and the insistence of the palate results in exceptional length, crackling minerally acidity, married with lemon and lime fruit. Bargain. Drink by 2036.
96 Points
James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion![2023 Best’s Great Western Riesling]()
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2023 Best’s Great Western RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2023-2031)ABV: 11.5%Closure: StelvinRiesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best’s ‘Nursery Block’ vineyard in the 1860s. Subsequent plantings followed in 1944 (since removed), 1978 and 1998. Always very flavoursome and very age worthy, the Best’s Great Western Rieslings are renown for their beautiful balance, texture and aromatics.
The 2023 vintage was long and late with the first Riesling grapes being harvested in early March. This long cool vintage allowed fruit flavours to mature, while natural acidity was retained.
Brilliant water like core with highlights of green around the outskirts. The nose offers up a symphony of lime, red apple and orange blossom aromas which are trailed by hints of honeysuckle and delicate spice. Intensely flavoured, lime, red apple and mandarin fruits are underscored by zippy acidity with some honeysuckle and flinty mineral characters unwinding across the back half. Finishes dry to off dry with a long zesty aftertaste.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11.5%
Other Reviews....
Victoria’s Great Western region is firmly established as one of the most consistent riesling growers (outside of traditional regions). Whiplash-fast out of the blocks, with its mix of citrus, apple and slate to the fore, this wine will coast through to 2034.
95 points
James Halliday's Top 100 Wines 2023
Excellent riesling, having moved well away from the the oft-domestic norm of battery-acid dryness and talcy acidity, some years ago. Succulent kaffir lime, baking apple, quince and nashi pear. A waft of phenolics as useful as the trickle of acidity, juicy and palpably natural. This draws the saliva from the mouth. Reaching for the next glass is auto-pilot. Bravo! Drink or hold. Screw cap.
93 points
JamesSuckling.com![2022 Best's Great Western Foudre Ferment Riesling]()
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2022 Best's Great Western Foudre Ferment RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinOther Reviews....
Aged in 2500 litre Austrian foudre.
Intense and juicy flavour. Lime juice, apple pie, almond and peach tea, with a spicy cinnamon and white flower overlay, and a subtle petrol note. It’s zesty and packed with flavour, a real mouth-watering affair of honey and lime juice and lemon zest, a chalky pucker of phenolic grip, and a jasmine tea and apricot finish of excellent length and chalky texture. So much zing and energy. So good. Drink 2023 - 2029+
94 Points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front![2300595_1.jpg]()
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2017 Best's Great Western RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2017-2025)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinBest’s consistently produce outstanding Rieslings which are flavoursome, elegantly structured, spectacularly age-worthy and rated as one of the country’s best. Their Riesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best’s ‘Nursery Block’ vineyard in the 1860’s with subsequent plantings in 1944 and 1978. The 2017 vintage reverts back to a more classic Australian style of dry Riesling.
Brilliant water like colour with a greenish tinged outskirts. Showing good intensity, lemon and lime aromas drift out of the glass followed by green apple, talc, subtle orange rind infusions and minerals. Mouth-watering lemon and lime flavours dominate the racy palate underscored by crunchy green apples and delicate orange rind infusions finishing dry with zippy acidity and steely mineral characters. Excellent length with a long lemon, lime, subtle orange rind and steely mineral aftertaste.
Drink now or cellar 6-8 plus years.
Alc. 11%![773300185_1.jpg]()
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2018 Best's Great Western RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: 6 - 8 Years (2024-2026)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinBest’s consistently produce outstanding Rieslings which are flavoursome, elegantly structured, spectacularly age-worthy and rated as one of the country’s best. Their Riesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best’s ‘Nursery Block’ vineyard in the 1860’s with subsequent plantings in 1944 and 1978.
Brilliant water like core with a distinctive tinge of green around the outskirts. The nose offers up elevated lime, red apple and faint honeysuckle aromas followed by hints of citrus and orange blossom. The elegant palate has a fine thread of mineral laced acidity running through the flavours of citrus, granny smith apples and lime juice. Dry laser like finish with a long lime juice, green apple, lemon and flinty mineral aftertaste.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 11%Other Reviews….
Pale straw-green; the bouquet is enticing, but it's the palate that sends all the senses into overdrive. Intense lime juice intersects with shiny bright acidity. This takes mouthwatering flavours onto new levels. Great length inevitably follows, promising a very long life. The Great Western subregion deserves far greater recognition for its rieslings. Drink by 2032.
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion
Great Western Riesling. If we’ve said it once …
Bit of a treat. Scintillating style, juiciness and length. Meyer lemon, lime, red apple and slate. Unencumbered lines. Pleasure and pain, in a good way. Oh the acidity. Drink 2018-2028.
94 points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front![905459_1.jpg]()
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2018 Best's Great Western Foudre Ferment RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinWild fermented in a large oak foudre. Brilliant water like colour with a shimmering green tinge to the edges. Intense ripe red apple, pear and lime aromas are overlaid by honeysuckle with quince, subtle orange blossom and light spice in hot pursuit. Fresh lime, juicy red apple and lemon flavours lead into a faint flintiness with flashes of honeysuckle and mineral also apparent. Finishes dry, steely and a touch restrained with crunchy acidity and a lingering medium length aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 11%![1056115_1.jpg]()
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2019 Best's Great Western RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinRiesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best’s ‘Nursery Block’ vineyard in the 1860s. Subsequent plantings followed in 1944 and 1978. Always very flavoursome and very age worthy, the Best’s Great Western Rieslings are renown for their beautiful balance, texture and aromatics.
Brilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Pronounced aromas of fresh limes intermix with red apple and hints of honeysuckle followed by some orange blossom and subtle slatey mineral notes. Mouth watering lime, red apple and citrus flavours have a generous feel with subtle infusions of honeysuckle, orange blossom and flinty minerals underpinning the fruit. Finishes dry and fresh with snappy acidity and a long aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 11%
Other Reviews....
The riesling vines used to produce this wine come from cuttings off the original 1866 planting of Best’s. Cool, huh? Always a zingy number and distinctly Aussie riesling in that zingy, tart, acid driven way, here’s another cracker.
Lime juice and zest, steely mineral notes, fragrant and frisky to taste, all mouth-watering and refreshing and generally just delicious. Quite a bit of concentration here but the freshness is ludicrous and challenges any perceived weight here. A touch of sweetness? Maybe. A delight. Drink 2019 - 2030+
94 points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front
Whole-bunch pressed to stainless steel for cold fermentation, stopped with 7g/l residual sugar. Gold medal Melbourne Wine Awards ’19, top gold Victorian Wine Show ’19. It has the intense lime zest and pith flavours I find irresistible. Bright acidity glides alongside the fruit. Drink to 2035.
95 points
James Halliday - The Weekend Australian Magazine![907657_1.jpg]()
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2019 Best's Great Western Foudre Ferment RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2020-2026)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinMade from juice with extended skins contact and wild fermented in a large oak foudre. Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Ripe lime and red apple scents have a subtle dried honey overlay with hints of quince and stony mineral notes in the background. Vibrant lime and green apple flavours are to the fore on the palate underpinned by traces of honeysuckle and stony mineral characters. Finishes dry and steely with crisp acidity and a focused medium to long aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 11%
Other Reviews….
Vines planted '78 and '98, harvested by the sophisticated Opti grape sorter-destemmer, 4 hours in the Opti before pressing, thence to a 7yo foudre for fermentation, and maturation on lees. You'd better pay attention as you take your first sip - this is not your grandma's riesling. Unsweetened lime sorbet. Drink by 2030.
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion![6640462_1.jpg]()
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2018 Bethany First Village RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 5 - 6 Years (2023-2024)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Pronounced lemon and lime scents dominate the nose with orange rind, talc and faint wet steel notes also evident. Racy lime and citrus flavours intermingle with chalky wet steel characters and mineral. Taut steely feel finishing dry with snappy acidity. Aftertaste of lime, citrus, wet steel and mineral.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 11%![906200_1.jpg]()
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2019 Bethany First Village RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 6 - 8 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 10.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with greenish highlights to the edges. Elevated lime juice and spicy green apple aromas are trailed by citrusy orange rind, talc and flinty mineral notes. The austere palate features tightly knit lime, granny smith apple, orange, chalky talc and wet steel flavours. Finishes dry and tense with crunchy acidity and a medium length aftertaste.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 10.5%![905083_1.jpg]()
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2017 Blue Pyrenees Estate Exclusive Release RieslingPyrenees, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Pronounced lemon and lime aromas meld in to subtle orange rind, talc and stony mineral notes. Nicely rounded in the mouth lime and citrus flavours are to the fore with orange, wet steel and mineral elements also present on the dry crisp finish. Medium length aftertaste.
Drink now or cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 12%![2021 Brave New Wine Doppelganger]()
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2021 Brave New Wine DoppelgangerGreat Southern, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesABV: 12.3%Closure: StelvinOther Reviews....
The 2021 Doppelgänger is a blend of white grapes form the Great Southern region in Western Australia. It was 100% fermented on skins, bottled unfined and unfiltered. With mandarin orange in the glass, this is smells of orange zest, white pepper, green apple skins, fennel seeds (toasted and cracked) and jasmine tea, and it's chalky. It's delicious drinking, and plenty of texture and flavor abounds. Drink it sooner rather than later—awesome. Love. 12.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023 - 2026.
92 Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine AdvocateMulti variety, which is mostly Riesling with Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and SB. Times on skins for each variety vary from two weeks and nine months. This has been then blended with a Doppelganger ‘mother’ kept in a semi-solera since 2014. Very interesting.
Gingery concoction, mandarine peel, lemongrass, honey, aromatic herbs, essential oils. Lots going on. Chewy, textural, chalky grip, succulent. Lifted, high energy. You can tell. From my writing. Eucalyptus leaves freshness and bruised apple nuttiness. It’s been said before, this is not for everyone, nevertheless, it’s complex, well-made and with high drinkability if you’re fond of skinsy, clean, brave styles, and pretty labels. Drink 2022 - 2024.
92 Points
Kasia Sobiesiak - The Wine Front![2023 Brave Souls The Lighthouse Keeper Riesling]()
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2023 Brave Souls The Lighthouse Keeper RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 12%Closure: Stelvin2023 was a cool season with a long slow, and dry, ripening period which delivered pristine Riesling fruit with an abundance of flavour and natural acidity. The fruit for this wine was sourced from two vineyards within the higher altitude and cooler sections of Eden Valley.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Intense lime, citrus and orange rind scents are paired with chalky talc and mineral notes. Concentrated lime, citrus and orange rind flavours have a mouth watering effect across the palate with talc, green apple and chalky mineral elements lying underneath. Crisp acidity finishing dry, long and scrumptious.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12%![2022 Brave Souls The Lighthouse Keeper Riesling]()
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2022 Brave Souls The Lighthouse Keeper RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Pronounced lemon, lime and mandarin scents are trailed by hints of honeysuckle and spice. Crunchy lime, red apple and mandarin fruits race across the palate with some delicate honeysuckle and spice lingering underneath. Good volume finishing dry and crisp with a mineral thread running through the long scrumptious aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%![908416_1.jpg]()
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2019 Brave Souls The Lighthouse Keeper RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)ABV: 11.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Intense lime and citrus scents stream out of the glass followed by orange rind and talc. Racy lime juice and lemon fruits are to the fore with hints of green apple and subtle oily toast like characters lying underneath. Dry steely finish with punchy acidity and a medium length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 11.5%![905391_1.jpg]()
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2018 Brave Souls The Lighthouse Keeper RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant water like colour with highlights of green around the outskirts. Pronounced lime and green apple aromas intermix with hints of mandarin, talc and steely mineral notes. Intense lime, citrus and mandarin flavours fill the mouth supported by a back bone of fine racy acidity with elements of talc and chalky mineral also chiming in. Dry zesty finish with a long mouth watering aftertaste.
Drink now or cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%![9099873_1.jpg]()
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2017 Brave Souls The Lighthouse Keeper RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2018-2024)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBrilliant very pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Intense lime and lemon aromas burst out of the glass with elements of granny smith apple, talc and chalky mineral also present. Showcasing all that has been great about the near perfect 2017 vintage for Riesling, driving flavours of lime and citrus run across the palate over a back drop of orange rind, green apple, chalky talc and infusions of mineral. Outstanding power and concentration finishing dry with fresh zesty acidity. Long aftertaste of lime, citrus, orange rind, talc and chalky mineral characters.
Drink now or cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews….
From vineyards across the Eden Valley, night-harvested, destemmed, chilled, pressed to tank for fermentation at 15 degrees C. Pale straw-green; the aromatic bouquet picks up citrus blossom on the first whiff, the palate seamlessly running with lime/lemon flavours along silvery lines of acidity. A very good example of a very good vintage. Drink by 2027.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion
