2025 Meadowbank Riesling, Derwent Valley

The stunning 2025 Riesling is poised and precise, with an impressive blend of pear, nectarine and dried floral tones, while old oak adds a charming savoury undertone. Punchy acidity is beautifully balanced with focused flavours showing delicacy and an energetic, youthful feel, with effortless balance delivered over an extremely long and sustained finish. World class. Drink to 2043.

96 points Angus Hughson for Vinous, July 2026

Gerald Ellis planted the first vines on his sheep grazing property in the upper Derwent Valley in 1976, at a time when the consensus was that southern Tasmania was simply too cold for commercial viticulture. The result is Meadowbank, at 60 hectares one of the state's most significant vineyards, and with an enviable track record to prove his instincts right. The vineyard sits inland from coastal influence, where warm days and cool nights create the diurnal variation that defines the upper Derwent. Gerald’s daughter Mardi carries his vision forward today, working with winemaker Peter Dredge, whose precise and thoughtful approach has taken the wines to a new level of consistency and acclaim.

Meadowbank's Riesling vines were planted in 2005. Fruit is fermented part in stainless steel and part in well-seasoned French oak. This approach builds the textural complexity this wine consistently shows without sacrificing the freshness the vineyard naturally delivers.

Zesty citrus and green apple on the nose with floral aromatics, crushed stone and a faint waft of lemongrass. The palate is crisp and focused with genuine fruit weight behind the acidity. Long, mineral and moreish on the finish. At 11.5% it is a wine that stays light on its feet without feeling thin.

Meadowbank Riesling has built quite a following, and each vintage has sold out quickly. This one will too.

The wine's precision and mineral lift suit food that lets the acidity do the work: freshly shucked scallops with yuzu butter, or a whole steamed flounder with ginger and spring onion.

Drink now through 2035. This wine is vegan friendly.