2024 Howard Park Riesling, Great Southern

There’s an openness to the ’24 rieslings – the acidity feels different, soft and textural, although this does have energy and drive. Heady aromas of lemon blossom and fresh herbs; it’s a little tangy and juicy with makrut lime, lemon rind and a zinc-like quality to the acidity. Drinking well now and will be even better in a few years

92 points  Jane Faulkner winecompion.com.au

Howard Park Riesling from Great Southern is a crisp, finely etched white that showcases the elegance and power of this under-the-radar region in Western Australia. Known for its cooler climate and pristine vineyard sites, Great Southern produces some of the country’s most age-worthy Rieslings—and Howard Park is right at the top of the pack.

Winemaker Nic Bowen brings a precision-first mindset to this wine, focusing on purity of fruit and minerality over flash or flair. Sourced mainly from Mount Barker and Porongurup vineyards, the grapes are picked early to lock in acidity, then fermented cool in stainless steel to retain freshness and definition.

The result is laser-focused and bursting with citrus. Expect aromas of lime, grapefruit and white blossom, layered with wet slate and a subtle saline lift. On the palate, it’s bone dry and taut, with piercing acidity and a long, stony finish that gives serious structure without sacrificing approachability. Young, it’s racy and refreshing. With time, it gains texture, complexity and that telltale toasty note Riesling lovers chase.

Perfect with natural oysters, Thai dishes, green papaya salad or anything that needs a hit of citrus and crunch. It’s also a brilliant wine for the cellar—if you’ve got the patience.