2025 Teusner Empress Riesling, Eden Valley

Ultra pale lemon and lime colours. Fragrant with white blossoms and lime curd aromatics. Light and inviting from entry, lime curd with hints of sweet pastry and crushed quartz flowing across the tongue. Acidity is harmonised into the palate, leaving a supple and balanced finish 24 Jan 2026 Drink 2026–2035

91 points Stuart Knox therealreview.com

Teusner was founded by Kym Teusner and Michael Page with a mission to champion old vine Barossa fruit, and over time the portfolio has expanded to showcase the surrounding high country of Eden Valley. The Empress Riesling reflects that cooler, elevated landscape where rocky soils and significant diurnal shifts create wines of line and clarity. Eden Valley’s altitude preserves acidity and aromatic lift, allowing Riesling to ripen slowly while retaining its electric backbone. The philosophy is classic and unadorned, purity first, winemaking second.

Fruit is picked early to capture vibrancy and precision. In the cellar, whole bunch pressing and cool stainless steel fermentation protect delicate aromatics. There is no oak influence, keeping the focus squarely on fruit and minerality. The aim is a dry Riesling with length, tension and the ability to age.

Pale straw with green flashes, the aromas open with lime zest, lemon blossom and green apple layered with jasmine and crushed stone. The palate is light bodied but intense, with citrus fruit threaded through bright acidity. Flavours of lime, grapefruit and subtle slate notes run long into a clean, bone dry finish that feels crisp and mouthwatering.

It pairs beautifully with oysters, sashimi, spicy Asian dishes and fresh salads. While thrilling in its youth, it will cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty years, developing classic toast and honey complexity.