2024 Fromm Riesling Spatlese Organic, Marlborough

Fabulous bouquet of fresh limes and ripe green apple flesh, there’s a distinctive layer of minerality and white floral highlights. A complete bouquet from fruit to earth to intrigue. Off-dry on the palate with an initial rush of sweetness then contrasting acidity and fruit power. A touch of sherbet and gentle spritz adds to the freshness and style. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2034+.

94 points Cameron Douglas MS camdouglasms.com

From organically farmed vineyards in Marlborough, this Riesling shows a beautifully judged balance between sweetness, acidity and mineral tension. Fromm has long been known for site driven wines shaped by European sensibility, and their Riesling Spätlese channels that philosophy into a New World setting. The cool Marlborough climate preserves piercing natural acidity, allowing a touch of residual sugar to feel vibrant rather than heavy. Organic farming plays a central role, encouraging clarity of fruit and a strong sense of vineyard expression.

Winemaking focuses on delicacy and precision. Fermentation is stopped at just the right moment to retain sweetness while locking in freshness, creating a wine that feels weightless despite its richness. The style nods to classic German inspiration but remains unmistakably Marlborough in its brightness.

In the glass it shows pale straw with silver flashes. Aromas lift immediately with lime zest, green apple and white peach, followed by jasmine, honey and wet stone. There is an airy floral perfume that makes the bouquet feel almost crystalline.

The palate is light to medium bodied and silky, with citrus and orchard fruit wrapped in fine sweetness and electric acidity. Flavours of lime juice, pear and honey flow across the tongue, finishing long, clean and mineral. The balance between sugar and acid is seamless, leaving the wine refreshing rather than cloying.

It pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, seafood, pork, fruit driven dishes and soft cheeses. Served chilled, it becomes dangerously drinkable. While irresistible now for its charm, it will cellar confidently for ten to fifteen years, developing toast and honeyed complexity.

This is Riesling in a joyful register, fragrant, precise and organic at heart, a wine that marries sweetness with alpine freshness.