2025 Clonakilla Riesling, Canberra District

Ah riesling – vintage barely done and dusted yet here you are in my glass. You’re a delight and delicious, even in this still-evolving stage; the patient will be rewarded, so pop some away in the cellar. Open it today and you’ll be greeted by a waft of lemon and lime blossom, waxy hoya flowers and plenty of citrus tang on the palate, with a distinct mandarin flavour. There are no harsh edges with the acidity, just a lovely sensation of talc and texture.

95 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

The Clonakilla Riesling from the Canberra District is a beautifully pure and elegant white that showcases the cool-climate character of this high-altitude region. Clonakilla, founded by Dr John Kirk in 1971 and now run by his son Tim Kirk, is best known for its Shiraz Viognier but also produces outstanding Riesling from vineyards planted on granite soils at around 600 metres above sea level. The cool nights and long growing season here allow Riesling to develop intense aromatics and vibrant natural acidity, making it one of the estate’s most consistently impressive wines.

In the glass it is very pale straw with green highlights. The nose is lifted and fragrant, showing lime zest, lemon blossom and green apple alongside subtle hints of jasmine and mineral. The palate is crisp, precise and refreshing, with concentrated citrus flavours balanced by fine acidity and a chalky texture. The finish is long and mouthwatering, combining purity and tension in classic cool-climate Riesling style.

Food pairings highlight its freshness and vibrancy: freshly shucked oysters, pan-fried whiting, Thai green papaya salad, or lightly spiced Asian dishes. It also pairs beautifully with goat’s cheese or simply as an aperitif on a warm day. While delicious young, it has the structure to cellar for 10 to 12 years, developing notes of honey, toast and lanolin while retaining its citrus backbone.