2025 Tim Smith Riesling, Eden Valley

Tim Smith is a one-man band making wine from a shed in Vine Vale in Barossa Valley. He sources fruit from growers he knows and trusts, keeps the winemaking honest and sells out most years long before the next one is ready.

Riesling comes from a single vineyard of centenarian vines planted in 1922 at elevation in the cool high country of Eden Valley. Tim's own description of the winemaking is characteristically direct: whole bunch pressed to tank, cold settled, fermented with a cultured yeast and bottled early to preserve freshness. No oak, no intervention, nothing added that wasn't already there.

Pale straw, the nose shows gardenia, lime, green apple and lemon with a flinty mineral thread. The palate is focused and bright with crisp citrus acidity, good concentration and a clean, persistent finish.

Well-made and very good value. Australians tend to know how to enjoy Eden Rieslings. When young, drink as the first sip of the night, with some oysters or prawns. A few years in the bottle adds interest and toasty notes, with the wine handling a bit more texture and weight in the food at that point too.