TOP NZ RIESLING

Wairau River Marlborough Summer Riesling 2019

- 5 $20 ★★★★★

Thanks to a long hot, dry summer and early autumn Wairau River viticulturist Hamish Rose and the riesling grapes were afforded the luxury of time for this stunning wine. A lack of weather pressure meant a leisurely harvest that started in early March and concluded in early April. This extra time ensured that the grapes were picked at the optimal balance of both sugar and physiological ripeness as well as enabling the development of a rich, riper spectrum of flavours, something winemaker Sam Rose put to good use while constructing this remarkable riesling.

The grapes were handpicked from the Wairau River Winery Block vineyard in Rapaura, Marlborough in the cool of the morning. The juice was wholebunch pressed and the free run juice was fermented in stainless steel to retain the bright, fresh character of this wine.

A lovely, elegant, relaxed and pure example of a youthful riesling superbly handled by the winemaker, with hallmark riesling notes of lime, lemon zest, white flowers and blossoms. This wine is bright and vibrant on the nose with an off-dry palate and a mouthwateringly moreish profile. The extra texture and palate weight a reflection of its time left on light lees with scintillating acidity keeping you coming back for more. An awesome wine – most certainly a summer riesling.

2 / Mud House Waipara Valley Riesling 2019 ★★★★★ - 5 $15

Beguiling aromas of jasmine, pear and red apple on the nose with mouthwatering flavours mirrored on the palate, coupled with a perfect crisp balance of both acid and sugar. While lightly framed and seemingly refined, this wine has supple power that keeps on going. Delicate yet powerfully persistent.

3 / Rockburn ‘Tigermoth’ Riesling 2016 (Central Otago) ★★★★★ - 3 $35

Gorgeous Meyer citrus lemon aromas tempt the nose. This wine is fresh and bright and manages to be both vibrant and relaxed. The residual sugar is evident but when balanced with incredible acid, crunchy apple and wet stone characteristics, it’s clear this wine has been perfectly crafted. Balanced, bright with juicy refined acidity and a hint of grip that brings it all together.

4 / Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 ‘Big John’ Riesling 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★★ - 5 $26.90

A succulent and vibrant riesling with jasmine flower, tart red grapefruit and ripe lemon notes on the palate. A pristine, pure knife-edge balance between acidity and sugar brings forth a Kabinett-style offering. A cracking example, perfect for summer.

5 / Bladen Marlborough Riesling ‘Eight Rows’ 2019 ★★★★★ - 7 $25

An intriguing example with lemon pith and citrus flower on the nose. The mouthfeel reveals excellent texture and juicy acidity. The palate is clean and refreshing with salty yet bitter-sweet lemon sorbet notes. Fantastic balance with excellent length and persistence.

6 / Lake Chalice The Falcon Riesling 2019 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 5 $19

Citrus notes on the nose with refreshing cucumber and lime pith notes coming through. An off-dry style balanced precisely with juicy, polished acidity and excellent texture and mouthfeel. Combine that with a long finish that refuses to quit and you have a very impressive example.

7 / Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Single Vineyard Riesling 2019 ★★★★ - 5 $39

The only standout example from Hawke’s Bay, this is a mouthwatering wine that manages to be both ripe and delicate, sweet yet understated. Ripe red apple, elderflower, mango and citrus pervade both the nose and the palate. A style that seems unforced and therefore a pleasure to drink and enjoy.

8 / Ceres Bannockburn Black Rabbit Vineyard Riesling 2018 ★★★★ - 6 $27.95

A pure and pristine nose teaming with aromas of white flowers, grapefruit, lime and lemon rind. A medium sweet offering with finely concentrated flavours and excitingly pure crisp acidity and remarkable palate presence and weight. A refined and altogether delicious example.

9 / Wet Jacket Central Otago Redemption Riesling 2018 ★★★★ - 6 $27

Lemon, lime and mandarin combined with wet riverstone and ripe Jazz apple notes on the nose, surrounded by citrus florals all culminate like a symphony for the senses. A lean and precise yet juicy and generous palate which provides this wine with presence and promise while also making it easy summer sipping.

10 / Gemstone by Giesen Riesling 2018 (Marlborough) ★★★★ - 9 $20

Wild white citrus blossom with citrus and intriguing ripe tropical mango notes. A wine that is medium in style and while the sweetness seems upfront initially it has the acid balance right to hold itself in check and provide a serious and enjoyable glass of wine (and perhaps another if you absolutely insist).

Foxes Island Dry Riesling 2013 (Awatere) - 3 $30

Giesen Estate Riesling (New Zealand)

- 5 $15

Rockburn ‘Tigermoth’ Riesling 2017 (Central Otago) - 5 $35