2024 Pooley Margaret Pooley Tribute Riesling, Coal River Valley

Another excellent release that will hold its own in any benchmark riesling tasting. Mineral-edged aromas of struck match, lemon and lime zest, crushed stones, fresh grapefruit and white orchard fruit. The tightly wound palate has an electric mouthfeel with an underlying, persistent and growing power. Will benefit from some time in the bottle, albeit delicious now. Drink or hold.

98 points James Suckling, July 2025

Riesling sourced from the Cooinda Vale vineyard in the Coal River Valley that sees five months on lees in old French oak puncheons. Again in fine form in the '24 vintage, with juicy lime, grapefruit and green apple fruits with an apple blossom flourish and hints of clover, crushed stone, beeswax, dried lime zest and lemongrass. It's the shape that grabs me. Sleek and marble smooth with a light sapidity to the acidity, a saline rail upon which that lovely fruit glides without any friction, sailing long, elegant and true. It's wonderful drinking. Drink 2025 to 2040.

97 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion (Special Value), September 2025

Light, bright yellow-straw hue with a reductive smoky bouquet, possibly a touch of nutty barrel influence, too—there's a hint of pencil-wood. This has lot of character and depth, a range of flavours, a full and open expression with a clean, dry and smooth finish that lingers. The oak (if any) has been carefully utilised: it doesn't obscure the varietal fruit. Very good ageing potential. Drink 2025 to 2039.

94 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, November 2025

Pooley Wines was established in 1985 when Denis and Margaret Pooley planted ten rows of Riesling and seven rows of Pinot Noir on their farm at Cooinda Vale in the Coal River Valley — a retirement project that quietly became one of Tasmania's most admired wine estates. Three generations of the family have shaped it since, with winemaker Anna Pooley now at the helm, bringing precision and a deep sense of place to everything produced under the label.

Margaret Pooley's namesake wine comes from the original 1985 Riesling plantings at Cooinda Vale and only appears when Anna Pooley judges the season worthy of it. Five months on lees in old French oak puncheons builds texture and weight without introducing oak character, leaving the fruit and the site to speak clearly.

Lemongrass, citrus peel and lime flesh on the nose, with a mineral edge of struck match and crushed stone. The palate is sleek and precise — kiwi, gooseberry and apple sherbet carried along by electric acidity and a saline, oyster-shell finish that lingers long after the glass is empty.

Production is small and these wines move quickly on release. Tightly wound now, give this at least three years before opening. The wine will begin to show its full potential around five to seven years from vintage and it is built for the long haul.