2024 Ministry of Clouds Riesling, Clare Valley

Ministry of Clouds Riesling from the Clare Valley is a taut, fragrant and beautifully expressive white that celebrates everything this region does so well. The fruit is sourced from elevated Polish Hill River and Watervale vineyards, where ancient slate and limestone soils deliver piercing acidity, fine structure and a distinctive mineral hum. These sites ripen slowly under the Clare Valley sun, building intense flavour at low alcohol levels. Ministry of Clouds pick early for tension, ferment cool in stainless steel for absolute purity, and allow the wine to rest briefly on fine lees to soften the edges without sacrificing drive. The result feels both razor sharp and quietly luxurious.

Aromas leap from the glass. Lime zest, wet slate and lemon blossom lead, joined by finger lime, crunchy green apple, kaffir lime leaf and hints of jasmine. Beneath the citrus is a faint note of bath salts and chalk dust, a clear sign of Polish Hill River’s stony roots. As it breathes, hints of white peach, mandarin peel and subtle spice add dimension while keeping the style beautifully focused.

The palate is electric yet harmonious. A rush of citrus and orchard fruit glides across a sleek, almost glassy texture before tightening into a long mineral spine. Flavours of fresh lime juice, green apple, grapefruit and tonic like herbs carry superb clarity. The acidity is crystalline and refreshing, driving the wine into a long, dry and mouthwatering finish with lingering florals and crushed stone. With five to twelve years in the cellar it blossoms into honeyed lime, toast, lanolin and candle wax complexity while retaining its core tension.

A knockout pairing with oysters, salt and pepper squid, Thai salads, chimichurri prawns, fresh goat cheese, tempura vegetables, sushi, or simply served as an invigorating aperitif. It is a Clare Valley Riesling with energy, finesse and a distinctly modern edge.