2022 Pooley Butchers Hill Riesling, Coal River Valley

Riesling from the Butchers Hill vineyard at Richmond in the Coal River Valley. Whole-bunch pressed and fermented in tank with a further five months on fine lees in old French oak. Pristine fruit and unwavering precision = a beautiful wine. Green apple and lime fruits, wildflowers, crushed stone and grapefruit pith with liminal glimpses of lemon curd. It sports a wicked tubular palate shape of pure citrus fruits and rides on mineral-laden rails of acidity, all focus, velocity and detail. Tremendous length of flavour and sustain here.

96 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au Aug 2023

Pooley is one of Tasmania's most celebrated family wineries, with a reputation built on meticulous viticulture and an unwavering commitment to site expression. Established by Denis and Margaret Pooley in 1985, the estate has become a benchmark for cool climate wines from the Coal River Valley. Today, third generation winemaker Anna Pooley continues the family's remarkable success, crafting wines that consistently rank among Australia's finest. The Butcher's Hill vineyard, overlooking the historic township of Richmond, is one of Tasmania's most prized sites for Riesling.

The Coal River Valley's dry climate, long growing season and ancient sandstone soils create ideal conditions for Riesling. Warm days encourage flavour development while cool nights preserve the vibrant acidity that defines great Tasmanian examples. The 2022 vintage delivered fruit of exceptional purity and balance, allowing the vineyard's distinctive mineral character to shine through with precision and clarity.

Pale straw with brilliant green highlights, the bouquet is intensely aromatic, revealing lime blossom, lemon zest and green apple alongside notes of jasmine, kaffir lime and wet stone. The palate is finely detailed and beautifully focused, delivering flavours of fresh citrus, Granny Smith apple and finger lime. A striking mineral backbone and razor sharp acidity provide energy and tension, while the finish is long, dry and exceptionally pure, lingering with layers of citrus and slate like minerality.

This is a magnificent match for freshly shucked oysters, kingfish sashimi, grilled prawns, Thai seafood dishes or a goat's cheese and herb tart. Already captivating in its youth, it has the structure and balance to evolve beautifully over the next decade or more, developing classic Riesling notes of toast and honey while retaining freshness.