2023 Wines by KT Peglidis Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley

From the dry-grown Peglidis Vineyard planted in 1973. Only 250 dozen produced. This has intensity and drive, precision and poise. A striking riesling for its concentration of citrus and green apple fruit scents and flavours. There's density in the palate yet a scintillating acid profile, a subtle tussle between briny minerality and nutty savouriness. It holds a compact, rapier-like shape in the palate despite layers and layers of fruit, mineral and savoury complexity. All of this adds up to a brilliant riesling with superior drinkability and a strong sense of region/vineyard.

95 points Special Value Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Wines by KT Peglidis Watervale Riesling from Clare Valley is a single-vineyard expression of place, purity and quiet power. Crafted by Kerri Thompson, one of the Clare Valley’s most respected winemakers, this wine is sourced from the dry-grown, unirrigated Peglidis vineyard planted in 1969. It’s a site she knows intimately and has worked with for over 15 years, resulting in a wine that speaks fluently of Watervale’s limestone soils and cool elevation.

The Peglidis Riesling is all about balance and drive. It opens with classic Watervale aromatics of white florals, kaffir lime, lemon blossom and crushed quartz. On the palate, it’s taut and textural, with a citrus core wrapped in mouth-watering acidity and a gentle talc-like grip. The finish is long, mineral and laced with subtle complexity that builds with time in glass or cellar.

Kerri Thompson works with minimal intervention and a deep respect for site. She lets the fruit do the talking, fermenting in stainless steel to preserve purity, and using only wild yeasts when the vintage allows. The result is a riesling that’s as honest as it is expressive.

Pair it with grilled Moreton Bay bugs, green papaya salad, or lemon and thyme roast chicken. This wine has serious cellaring potential too, with 10 to 15 years of graceful ageing ahead.