2025 Ravensworth Regional Riesling, Canberra District

Such an uplifting, crisply dry and ultra-refreshing wine. Pristine, beautiful aromas and flavours of lemon-lime, wet stone, makrut lime leaves and blossom. A touch of mandarin, too, with freshly cut Granny Smith apple. The acidity is thirst-quenching, there’s a fine line of texture, and it’s appealing for its savouriness, and more besides. I liked it so much that I poured a big glass to drink and decided the working day had finished on a high.

95 points Special Value Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion

Ravensworth is the project of Bryan Martin, one of the Canberra District’s most thoughtful winemakers and for many years part of the winemaking team at Clonakilla. Based around Murrumbateman, Ravensworth has developed its own identity through small batch wines and an adventurous streak, but Riesling remains beautifully connected to the cool climate foundations of the region. The Regional bottling gives a broader snapshot of Canberra rather than focusing on a single vineyard.

Canberra’s elevated vineyards, warm sunny days and distinctly cold nights are particularly well suited to Riesling. The 2025 has the variety’s citrus drive at its core, but there is enough orchard fruit and texture to prevent it feeling austere. It is dry, bright and immensely useful at the table, with that lovely combination of flavour and acidity that makes Canberra Riesling such reliable drinking.

Very pale straw with green highlights, opening with lime, green apple and grapefruit before white peach and lemon blossom appear. Lemongrass and a touch of fennel add fragrance, with a subtle stony note underneath. The palate is crisp and dry, with lime and grapefruit driving the show, softened slightly by white peach through the middle. Mouth watering acidity and citrus peel carry the wine into a clean, gently mineral finish.

Vietnamese turmeric fish with dill would be terrific, alongside oysters with finger lime, prawn and chive dumplings, salt and pepper squid or green papaya salad with grilled prawns. Our pick is the turmeric fish. Loads of fresh herbs, citrus and a little spice are exactly where young Riesling wants to be.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2034.