2025 Palliser Estate Riesling, Martinborough

It states dry(ish) on the riesling scale on the back label, but this has a distinct floral and pretty fruitiness, coupled to slick texture that speaks of some off-dry nuance. It's well judged, too. Candied citrus peel, gingery notes, lime, Pink Lady apple juice. Delicious. Vivacious, balanced, cool and fresh, too. It hits the high notes. Drink to 2033.

95 points Special Value Mike Bennie for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2026

About this wine

The grapes are gently pressed and cold settled over night then racked to stainless tank for fermentation with cultured yeast. The fermentation was stopped with a modest 4.1g/L of residual sugar to balance out the natural acidity. The wine is aged for a further two months on lees gaining complexity before bottling.

About this producer

Palliser Estate has been making the case for Martinborough since the 1980s. Known for producing elegant wines with a distinct sense of place, Palliser has long been one of the region’s benchmark estates. The vineyards have been under full organic management from 2025, and chief winemaker Guy McMaster approaches the vineyards and the winemaking as parts of one philosophy: look after the land and it looks after you.