2019 Cherubino Riesling, Porongurup

There's a laser precision to riesling from Porongurup as this attests. A touch of lavender to the citrus blossom, grapefruit alongside Meyer lemon and mouthwatering chalky acidity. Long, pure and classy.

96 points Special Value Jane Faulkner Halliday Wine Companion August 2020

Porongurup is one of those quietly brilliant pockets of Western Australia, where ancient granite soils and a cool, elevated climate create Riesling with real precision. Larry Cherubino has built a reputation for finding and championing sites like this, working closely with growers to capture purity and regional character rather than chasing weight or overt ripeness.

The wine opens with a burst of citrus, lime zest and lemon pith, backed by green apple and a faint hint of white blossom. There is a crystalline feel to the aromatics, with a subtle mineral note that leans toward wet stone and granite, very much a reflection of the place it comes from.

Across the palate it is tight and focused, driven by bright acidity that gives the wine its energy and length. Flavours stay in that citrus spectrum, with a touch of grapefruit adding a gentle edge, before finishing dry and mouth watering with a lingering mineral line. It feels clean, precise and built on structure rather than fruit sweetness.

It is a natural match for fresh seafood, think oysters, sashimi or grilled prawns with a squeeze of lime. It also pairs beautifully with Thai dishes where a little heat and spice meet that crisp acidity, or a simple plate of salt and pepper squid.

Cellaring is where Porongurup Riesling really shines. Give it five to ten years and expect the citrus to evolve into more complex notes of toast and honey while the backbone of acidity keeps everything fresh and lively.