2025 Adelina Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley

Adelina Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley, is a finely tuned expression of one of Australia’s most revered Riesling sub regions, shaped by limestone soils, gentle elevation and a strong focus on site expression. Adelina is guided by winemakers Jen Gardner and Col McBryde, whose thoughtful, minimal intervention approach allows the Watervale vineyard character to shine clearly. Watervale is prized for its pale calcareous soils, which naturally deliver purity, drive and fine texture, and this Riesling leans into that heritage with confidence. The style is precise and restrained, built on balance rather than overt power, and designed to age gracefully.

Pale straw in colour with green highlights, the wine opens with lifted aromas of lime zest, lemon blossom and green apple, layered with subtle talc and a chalky mineral note drawn from the limestone soils. The palate is tightly wound and vibrant, showing intense citrus flavours, a fine powdery texture and racy acidity that carries long through the finish. There is a gentle savoury undertone and mineral tension that adds depth and seriousness beyond its youthful freshness.

It is superb with oysters, fresh prawns, grilled fish, Vietnamese or Thai dishes with lime and herbs, or soft goat’s cheese. While drinking beautifully now for its purity and energy, it has excellent cellar potential over ten to fifteen years, where it will develop classic toast, beeswax and gentle honeyed complexity while retaining its citrus core.