TOP RIESLING
Giesen Gemstone Riesling 2018 (Marlborough) - 7 $20 ★★★★★
I THINK WE CAN all agree that the Giesen brothers firstly know great riesling, but also know how to produce great riesling at a great price point, and that can only be good news for the category as a whole.
Sourced from a single vineyard in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, this fruit was picked ten days earlier than expected due to hot ripening conditions during January 2018 – the hottest January on record to that date. Deft vine management ensured a stress-free ripening and the grapes were picked in the cool of the morning to preserve freshness and pressed immediately upon arrival at the winery – under the watchful eye of winemaker Nikolai
St George – to retain purity of flavour.
An interesting thing about this wine is that a portion of it is fermented in large granite tanks. This is an ancient winemaking technique, and what makes the use of granite special is that, like oak, it micro-oxygenates but also makes the wine ‘sweat’. This sweating causes slight evaporation which adds flavour concentration while retaining the clean, bright characteristics in the wine.
At 39g of residual sugar, Gemstone flies the flag for approachable mediumsweetness riesling boasting an inviting golden hue in the glass. Bright and fresh on the nose with both spicy and floral characters that follow through to a palate laden with citrus rind, clementine and vanilla spice. A touch of well-defined botrytis is present, balanced against incredible acid and great texture culminating in a long yet balanced finish. Very smart.
2 / Wet Jacket Central Otago Redemption Riesling 2019 ★★★★★ - 4 $27
Beautifully fragrant and poised with freshcrushed limes and a hint of fennel on the nose. Lithe and pure with sour citrus acidity present delivering an unforgettably delicious chalky-mineral sensation which leaves the palate clean and pristine after each sip. Superbly crafted, resulting in unforgettable balance and length in the glass.
3 / Mud House Single Vineyard The Mound Waipara Valley Riesling 2020 ★★★★★ - 6 $25
Zesty, poised and elegant with quince, honeysuckle and jasmine all bound up with citrus zest and a touch of clementine. This wine has great volume through the palate with ripe citrus fruits balanced against steely acidity creating balance and an exquisite line of flavour through the supple palate. Fresh and vibrant.