2023 Lethbridge Riesling Biodynamic, Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is a good place to grow riesling, and it shows here. Lovely aromatics. Makrut lime leaves, stone fruits, a little nashi and white flowers all make their presence felt. There's a touch of RS, which is balanced to a tee by the wine's bright acidity. Gently textured and long. Tops.

94 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Tense, minerally, a lick of sweetness, green apple, gingery spice, sweet lime and a kind of rose water or lychee element gently in there too. Great tension and drive here, a flinty thing going on. Very pure overall as well. Seriously good drinking here with pitch perfect balance.

94 points Mike Bennie winefront.com.au

The 2023 Riesling was almost entirely sourced from a mature vineyard in Mount Gambier. Located just outside the township, it’s a low-yielding (three tonnes per acre), limestone-rich site planted in the early 1990s. Small-batch fermentations are spontaneous. A small portion (10%) went through malolactic conversion, and the wine was bottled with 10.8 g/L residual sugar.

Residual sugar in Riesling can be a difficult thing to get right. Ray Nadeson is an avid proponent of the practice, leaving a lick of sugar in all his Riesling wines: “It’s essential for the texture of the wine”. He’s a dab hand at it too. The 2023 leaps from the glass with lime leaf and white florals, paving the way for fleshy, fruity citrus weight shot through with long, racy lines and lip-smacking, moreish texture. Lovely balance and lengthy drive. Bravo!

The Lethbridge Riesling Biodynamic from Mount Gambier is a distinctive expression of cool-climate winemaking, crafted with a commitment to biodynamic principles. Lethbridge Wines, founded in 1996 by a trio of scientists passionate about viticulture, is celebrated for producing wines that authentically reflect their terroir. This Riesling showcases the pristine environment of Mount Gambier, one of Australia’s emerging wine regions, known for its volcanic soils and maritime influences.

The biodynamic approach employed at Lethbridge focuses on holistic vineyard management, enhancing soil health and vine vitality. The cool climate of Mount Gambier, characterized by long growing seasons, allows the Riesling grapes to develop intense aromatics and natural acidity. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, the fruit is handled with minimal intervention to preserve its purity and regional expression.

This Riesling reveals a fragrant nose of lime zest, green apple, and white blossoms, with subtle mineral notes that hint at its volcanic origins. The palate is crisp and refreshing, offering flavors of citrus, white peach, and a touch of honey, balanced by a vibrant acidity. The wine’s structure and length make it both immediately appealing and suitable for aging, allowing complex tertiary notes to emerge over time.

The Lethbridge Riesling Biodynamic pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, Thai cuisine, or light vegetarian dishes, making it a versatile choice for various culinary settings. Its combination of precision, vibrancy, and sustainability makes it a standout among Australian Rieslings.