Vine Collective Riesling, Frankland River 2019
Single site, wild ferment in barrel, aged in French oak, minimal intervention and bottled without fining or filtration.
Slightly cloudy in the glass and with a soft golden hue, the aromatics speak of texture and complexity – think white currant, lime blossom, salted pear and finger lime. The palate has an awesome saltiness about it, this is not your standard Riesling. The oak details some interesting phenolic texture through the mid palate, and leaves behind a lingering sensation of crushed nuts, lavender and brioche. A textural, layered and exciting Riesling with interest and grip. Begs for food. Love it.
Alkoomi Riesling, Great Southern 2019
Routinely punches well above its weight with regards to price, this riesling from 2019 is no exception. The nose is bursting with lime blossom, lemon pith, crushed limestone, and a coolness to it like stone in the shade. The palate is all about purity and lightness, this is summer pear, soapstone, green apple and white spice. YES again Alkoomi – another burster.
Castle Rock Riesling, Porongurup 2019
From the Porongurup sub-region in the Great Southern. The Castle Rock vineyard rests on top of a hill with views that span across the Stirling range – breathtaking is a basic word to describe it, but it does go some way. Isolated and beautiful are some other descriptors. This Riesling is pure and has a laser focus, even to the aromatics on the nose. Everything is done on needlepoint, the fine citrus characters are unbelievably specific: lime, lemon, florals, white spice and minerality. The palate is exactly this, with a length of flavour that pushes up the eyebrows further and further. Rob Diletti has a reputation for making great Riesling, and if you would like to know what that’s all about – buy this wine. It will tell you what you need to know. He is a superstar.