2024 Meadowbank Riesling, Derwent Valley

“An Upper Derwent Valley riesling made by Peter Dredge that shows all the cut and crystalline focus that you'd expect from this top Tasmanian producer. Lime, grapefruit and green apple with hints of crushed riverstone, citrus blossom, clover, sea spray, lemon zest and lighter fennel at the top, and lemongrass further back. High-tensile stuff on the palate; it's all about pure, taut citrus and apple fruits and a vivid, brisk mineral cadence. Finishes long and moreish.”

96 points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion

Meadowbank’s Riesling’s got form. “Redefines citrus,” read Halliday’s review for the 2023, a 98-point wine that sat high on his Top 100 list for the year. You can put the 2024 on the same pedestal. Meadowbank’s Riesling vines are spread across three parcels on the Derwent Valley vineyard, planted in 1974, 2005 and 2015. The block planted in 1974 predates the establishment of Meadowbank, and the clone is unknown. The 2005 block, which accounts for about two-thirds of the blend, is planted to Geisenheim 198, a clone susceptible to botrytis—something winemaker Peter Dredge lets run in most years (provided conditions are dry). He advocates for the botrytis influence to add intensity and weight to his Riesling and points to the practice used widely in Germany—he’s in a cool climate, using a German clone. What’s good for the goose…

All blocks were handpicked. Half the fruit fermented in stainless steel tanks and was handled oxidatively, with a touch of residual sugar remaining and some integration of clean botrytis. The fruit from the other plantings fermented in old oak barriques to round out the texture. Both parcels matured on their lees before blending and bottling without fining. As is usually the case with this wine, run, don’t walk.