2024 Castelli Estate Riesling, Great Southern

Difficult growing conditions this vintage saw the addition of fruit from cooler sites with the existing Mount Barker crop. The pivot bodes well. This is fresh and varietal, and the nose is a bouquet of lime juice, talc and white florals. Genuine balance is achieved on the palate with lemon zest, shale and schist characters, finishing with grapefruit pith. Truly delicious drinking.

95 points Special Value Katrina Butler winecompanion.com.au

Castelli Estate Riesling from Great Southern is a razor-bright and beautifully detailed expression drawn from some of Western Australia’s finest cool climate vineyards. The region’s ancient granitic soils and sweeping elevation lay the foundation: long, sunny days ripen the grapes with clarity, while icy winds blowing inland from the Southern Ocean lock in acidity and preserve delicately perfumed aromatics. Castelli hand harvest at dawn for ultimate freshness, then ferment cool in stainless steel with a short rest on fine lees to soften the edges without interrupting purity.

The wine opens with a rush of lime zest, green apple and white blossom. Beneath the brightness lies a mineral thread reminiscent of crushed quartz and rain-washed granite. As it breathes, notes of lemon verbena, kaffir lime, talc and a faint mandarin peel nuance add layers to the bouquet.

The palate is focused, sleek and driven. Crisp citrus and crunchy orchard fruit glide across a super fine texture, carried by a line of mouthwatering acidity that stretches the wine long and precise. Flavours of lime juice, tonic-like herbs and a little wet-stone salinity give refreshment and complexity in equal measure. It finishes bone dry, with citrus oil and floral lift lingering confidently. Ageing will reward patience: five to ten years will introduce hints of honeyed toast, lanolin and deeper mineral depth while retaining its lively core.

A brilliant pairing with Coffin Bay oysters, Thai fish cakes, salt and pepper squid, sushi, citrus dressed salads or goat cheese. It is a Great Southern Riesling that balances purity and finesse with sparkling cool-climate energy.