2025 Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling Organic, Clare Valley

Pale colour; fresh aromas of citrus blossoms, especially lemon, a hint of baker's yeast, and some passionfruit emerged with time in the glass, while the palate is delicate and refined, with tension and subtlety, soft yet dry at the finale with a well-judged touch of phenolics adding to the firmness and dryness of the aftertaste, which is very refreshing, long and more-ish. A baby, which will develop well and build complexity. 10 Oct 2025 Drink 2026–2037

93 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling Organic is a pristine and ageworthy expression of Clare Valley’s most celebrated white grape, showcasing the elegance and mineral precision that make Watervale one of Australia’s finest Riesling terroirs. Mount Horrocks, established in 1993 by winemaker Stephanie Toole, is a certified organic estate producing small-batch wines of exceptional clarity and character. The Watervale Riesling is sourced exclusively from the estate’s own single vineyard, grown on classic limestone-rich soils that give the wine its distinctive purity and structure.

The vineyard lies at elevation in Watervale, a subregion known for its cool nights, sunny days, and perfect ripening conditions for Riesling. The organically farmed vines are carefully managed for low yields to ensure concentration, and fruit is hand harvested to preserve pristine quality. Grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel with minimal intervention to retain delicate aromatics and crisp natural acidity. No oak is used, allowing the terroir and varietal character to shine through with absolute clarity.

In the glass, Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling is a pale straw with green tinges, brilliant and clear. Aromas of lime zest, lemon blossom, green apple, and crushed slate leap from the glass, backed by subtle hints of wet stone and florals. The palate is intensely pure and linear, with concentrated citrus and apple flavours supported by racy acidity and a fine, chalky mineral backbone. The finish is long, clean, and mouthwatering, showing both finesse and power in classic Watervale style.

This Riesling is exceptional with freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns, Thai salads with lime and chilli, or delicate fish dishes. It also pairs beautifully with goat’s cheese or light vegetarian dishes. While thrilling in its youth for its vibrancy and precision, it has outstanding cellaring potential, evolving gracefully over 15 to 20 years into a wine with honeyed, toasty complexity and silky texture.