2024 Mountadam Riesling, Eden Valley

Pale, with a brief flash of green and note of freshly squeezed limes, green apple, grapefruit, crushed stone, citrus blossom and just a whiff of lemon curd. For an Eden Valley riesling you can't want for anything more. Sleek and coiled with pristine limey fruit, plenty of focus and drive and a dry, savoury, briny blast on the finish that prompts another glass pronto.

93 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Mountadam Riesling from Eden Valley is a classic high-altitude white wine, built on purity, line and longevity. Established in 1972 by the visionary David Wynn, Mountadam was one of the first vineyards planted at such a lofty elevation in the Barossa region. Perched at around 550 metres above sea level on the southernmost edge of Eden Valley, the estate benefits from cooler temperatures and extended ripening periods that are perfect for preserving natural acidity and aromatic delicacy in Riesling.

The estate’s Riesling vines grow in rocky, shallow soils over schist and quartz, which add to the mineral clarity of the wine. The fruit is handpicked in the cool of the morning, gently pressed, and fermented in stainless steel at low temperatures to lock in freshness and preserve the precise flavour profile. The wine typically sees no oak or malolactic fermentation, allowing it to remain sharply focused and true to its variety and place.

In the glass, it offers lifted aromas of lime blossom, lemon zest and green apple, with wet slate and jasmine in the background. The palate is taut and lively, showing juicy citrus, white peach and grapefruit pith wrapped around a fine spine of acidity and a clean, dry finish. There’s a chalky texture and mouthwatering energy that makes it equally appealing as a young wine or a candidate for cellaring.

This wine will continue to evolve over 10 to 15 years, developing honeyed, toasty characters while retaining its structure and drive.

Food pairings include fresh oysters with finger lime, kingfish sashimi, or Thai pork larb with plenty of herbs and lime.