2026 Helm Classic Dry Riesling, Canberra District

Fifty years ago, a CSIRO insect ecologist was transferred to Canberra and with fellow scientists decided to plant some grapes. The rest is history, they became the wine pioneers of the region. In his 50th vintage, Ken Helm continues to excel – the man is indefatigable – with another ripper of a Riesling – dry, pure, linear, varietally intense and oh so complex. Light yellow with green tinges. A haunting fragrance of citrus blossom, hints of jasmine and awash in citrus and apple scents, lime peel, mandarin skin.  A striking acidity drives the wine with line and length guiding crunchy green apple and citrus with a lime cordial-like intensity, lime peel, a hint of ginger and light aromatic florals. It presents lifted and intense with a growing textural quality coming through. Will age beautifully, maybe 50 years! That would be fitting. Drink to 2042.

95 points Jeni Port for Wine Pilot, July 2026

Ken Helm AM planted his first vines in Murrumbateman in 1973, making Helm Wines one of the oldest wineries in the Canberra District. Ken has spent decades championing both the region and the Riesling variety — instigating the Canberra International Riesling Challenge and being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 for his contribution to the Australian wine industry.

Rieslings remain the heart of the range, made with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from fifty years of knowing a place well. All drink well on release but the Canberra District releases have proven themselves to be good candidates for extended cellaring.