2024 Pewsey Vale Prima 23GR Riesling, Eden Valley

Pale straw in the glass with a flash of green. Aromas of white peach, green apple and lime with hints of crushed stone, orange blossom, lemongrass, tarte Tatin and clover blossom. There is a swell of residual sugar and texture on the palate, minerally acidity pulling it back into line for a finish that is off-dry, mouth-filling and delicious with ample drive and vitality.

94 points Special Value Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

The Pewsey Vale Prima 23GR Riesling from Eden Valley is a striking expression of delicacy, vibrant acidity, and natural sweetness in perfect tension. Crafted from the cooler, higher-altitude blocks of the historic Pewsey Vale vineyard, this wine is named for its residual sugar level 23 grams per litre, though you’d hardly guess it thanks to its electric acidity and balance.

The Pewsey Vale estate is one of Australia's oldest and most revered Riesling vineyards, established in 1847 by Englishman Joseph Gilbert and later revived in the 1960s by the Hill-Smith family, who continue to steward its legacy. Winemaker Louisa Rose, one of Australia's great Riesling specialists, has fine-tuned the Prima style over the years to walk the tightrope between sweetness and refreshment. Inspired by the off-dry wines of Germany, particularly those from the Mosel, the Prima is designed to offer immediate approachability while retaining the capacity to age.

In the glass, the wine shimmers with pale lemon hues. Aromas of white nectarine, pink grapefruit, and jasmine leap from the glass, underpinned by talc and a whisper of lime cordial. On the palate, a juicy citrus burst, lemon pith, green apple, and mandarin peel is softened by a thread of sweetness that never dominates. The mouthfeel is silky and chalky, with Eden Valley’s signature mineral drive surging through to a long, mouth-watering finish.

This is a supremely versatile Riesling. It’s a perfect aperitif and also shines with spicy dishes—think Thai green curry, Sichuan hotpot, or Vietnamese lemongrass pork. It can also hold its own alongside salty cheeses, pâté, or roast duck with plum sauce.

Drink it young to enjoy its bright fruit and purity, or cellar it for up to 8 years as it develops notes of honeycomb, lime marmalade, and toast.