2019 Ashton Hills Estate Riesling, Adelaide Hills

There is only a meager 1,200 Riesling vines at Ashton Hills, covering just 0.34 hectares of soil, so the production is tiny. These vines were planted in 1982 on their own roots. James Halliday has written: “It’s easy to see why Stephen George was reluctant to remove the tiny patch of Riesling on the estate. This is all about purity and elegance, floral and fine.” 

So the story on the 2019 is this: hand-picked fruit from the Ashton Hills vineyard was crushed, destemmed and chilled en route to the press. A gentle press cycle was used with only the free run component being kept for an even more limited release wine. Juice was fermented at cool temperatures and, as has typically been the norm for this wine, a low level of natural, residual sweetness was maintained to complement the flavour, texture and lively profile. From a warmer, dryer vintage (although cooler than 2018), this is an outstanding release. Expect pristine lime pith and sappy fruit and a deliciously racy, delicate yet intense palate and a literally perfect balance on the finish—dry and mouthwatering, yet with just enough juicy sweetness.

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