2022 Vickery Reserve Watervale Koerner G6 Block Riesling, Clare Valley

John Vickery sadly passed away a couple of years ago, and today winemaker Keeda Zilm is doing a stellar job as custodian of his legacy. This riesling is a crystalline, steely singularity of the grape variety. Characters of freshly squeezed limes, green apple sorbet and grapefruit are joined by tones of crushed stone, lemongrass, lime zest, Christmas lily and makrut lime. It travels precisely on rails of high-tensile, minerally acidity, finishing stony, dry and with great drive and vitality. Jeez, it's great drinking.

96 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Vickery Reserve Watervale Koerner G6 Block Riesling Clare Valley is a single vineyard Riesling that captures the precision and longevity that define Watervale. The Vickery name honours the late John Vickery, one of Australia’s great Riesling pioneers, whose work in Clare and Eden Valley shaped the modern reputation of Australian Riesling. This Reserve release focuses on the Koerner G6 Block in Watervale, a site known for its terra rossa over limestone soils and cool nights that lock in natural acidity. The combination of careful site selection and traditional, minimal intervention winemaking delivers a classic Clare Valley Riesling with purity, tension and remarkable ageing capacity.

Pale straw with flashes of green, it opens with intense aromas of fresh lime juice, lemon zest and green apple layered with white blossom and a whisper of wet stone. The Watervale signature is unmistakable, bright citrus drive wrapped around a mineral core that speaks of limestone influence and cool climate precision.

The palate is finely tuned and electric, driven by vibrant natural acidity and crystalline fruit definition. Lime, grapefruit pith and crunchy apple notes flow with focus and length, supported by a chalky texture and delicate floral lift. It finishes long and dry with a mouthwatering citrus snap that promises exceptional cellaring potential.

Enjoy with freshly shucked oysters, grilled King George whiting, Thai green papaya salad or goat cheese with lemon and herbs. While thrilling in its youth, this Clare Valley Riesling will cellar effortlessly for fifteen to twenty years, gradually developing classic toast, honey and kerosene complexity while retaining its structural backbone.