2012 Dry River Craighall Riesling, Martinborough

This Riesling has optimised the low sunshine hours and cooler temperatures this year to achieve wonderful ripeness, body and aroma. Maximum exposure to sunlight means low potential for Botrytis so the fruit for this wine was picked in pristine condition.

With a pale straw colour the wine showcases a remarkable opulence of ripe fruit flavours. Honeydew melon, clover honey and lovely floral blossoms are followed by mandarin peel and spice such as cardamom, fennel and lemongrass. The wine is soft at the entrance but a full and dense palate unveils the beautiful fruit ripeness with rock melon and Buerre Bosc pear. Mouth-watering citrus fruit and chalk-like characters tie this wine together which results in a long and taut finish. Riesling from cooler vintages (like 2012) can benefit from extended time in the cellar.