2024 Tim Smith Riesling, Eden Valley

Tim Smith Riesling from Eden Valley is a crisp, focused white that captures the high-altitude purity and citrus-driven clarity the region is known for. While better known for his bold reds, Tim Smith brings the same craftsmanship and respect for site to this small-production Riesling — but the approach here is all about restraint, finesse and precision.

This Riesling comes from older vineyards planted in the cool, elevated parts of the Eden Valley, where thin soils over shale and schist help produce fruit with vivid acidity and intense varietal character. Fermentation is cool and slow, in stainless steel, with no oak, no malolactic, and nothing getting in the way of the vineyard.

Freshly poured, you’ll find aromas of lime zest, green apple, bath salts and white florals. The palate is dry, tightly wound and linear, delivering layers of citrus, lemon pith, and crushed stone. There’s tension and snap here, but also just enough fruit weight to avoid austerity. It finishes long and mineral, with a chalky, mouthwatering edge that begs for another sip.

Food pairing: perfect with oysters, salt and pepper squid, Thai green curry, or a simple salad of fennel and citrus. Also a natural match for creamy goat cheese or grilled prawns with lime.

Cellar potential: beautiful young for its brightness, but capable of ageing 10 to 15 years, gaining notes of toast, honey and lanolin with bottle age.