2026 Mr. Riggs Watervale Riesling, Clare Valley

Founded in 2001, the Mr in Mr Riggs is winemaker Ben Riggs, whose wines, in his own words, are inspired by Ella Fitzgerald – bombastic and powerful with a huge vocal range, yet with purity of tone and a gentle sensibility when needed.

The grapes for this Riesling were sourced from Brysky Vineyards in the Watervale sub-region of Clare Valley. The fruit was destemmed, with the free-run and pressed juice kept separate and partially clarified before these were inoculated with a cultivated German yeast strain for a cool ferment in stainless steel. The components rested for eight weeks on lees before the final blend was assembled, clarified and bottled.

The 2026 presents with a modest 5g/L residual (natural) sugar. A delicate, lighter style, it offers a refreshing take on Clare Valley Riesling, with a softer but lively floral citrus and stone fruit character that would make this a very pleasant drink on its own. This would also be a great bottle for fresh oysters with finger lime or assorted whitefish and vegetable tempura.