2023 Kilikanoon Mort's Reserve Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley

A potent and powerful riesling of deep concentration, strong lime-lemon citrus influence in both fresh fruit and floral components. Some blackcurrant faintly in there, Granny Smith apple too, with flickers of sweet spice, mint and dill herbal elements. It races across the palate, tightly wound, if not a little too dry and bony, restraining fruit flavour a tad, finishing a touch short. That being said, the wine has great presence, and the refreshment factor is high.

93 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Kilikanoon Mort's Reserve Watervale Riesling from Clare Valley is a stunning expression of one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions, renowned for its pristine Riesling. Situated in the heart of the Clare Valley, Kilikanoon has built a reputation for crafting exceptional wines that highlight the region’s unique terroir, and Mort’s Reserve Riesling is no exception. The Watervale subregion, known for its cool nights and warm days, provides an ideal environment for Riesling, allowing for a long, slow ripening period that enhances flavor concentration and natural acidity. Kilikanoon’s commitment to traditional winemaking techniques and minimal intervention results in a wine that speaks authentically to Watervale’s character.

Under the guidance of Kilikanoon’s winemaking team, grapes for Mort’s Reserve are carefully selected from old vines, which yield fruit with remarkable intensity and complexity. The grapes are harvested by hand, then whole-bunch pressed and fermented using natural yeasts to preserve purity and varietal expression. Kilikanoon’s focus on small-batch production allows for meticulous control over quality, ensuring that each vintage of Mort’s Reserve Riesling reflects the distinct minerality and vibrant acidity that Clare Valley Rieslings are known for.

In the glass, Kilikanoon Mort's Reserve Watervale Riesling reveals captivating aromas of lime zest, lemon blossom, and a hint of flint. The palate is precise and intense, offering flavors of green apple, citrus, and a subtle minerality that adds depth. Crisp acidity provides a refreshing backbone, leading to a long, clean finish with notes of lemon and wet stone. This Riesling showcases Clare Valley’s potential for age-worthy wines, as its structure and vibrancy allow it to develop beautifully over time, gaining complexity and character with cellaring.