‘PIQ’, or Piquepoul, is the newest white wine from the Lienert stable. A fresh dry white akin to Eden Valley Riesling, but without all that mucking about in high altitude stuff. In a nutshell, Piquepoul is kind of like Riesling, but with a tantalising ocean mist character about it. Heralding from southern France, this crisp refreshing white has claimed ‘Official Oyster Wine’ status in its home country, such is the degree to which oysters and Piquepoul are joined at the hip. It does of course pair equally as well with mussels, abalone, clams and pipis!

The 2020 Springton Riesling was carefully blended from 3 different blocks within the Avon Brae vineyard. (56% Block 11, 26% Block 10, 19% Block 8) It is bright pale straw and shows tropical fruits and rose petal on the nose. The palate is broad and full with lime over a long line of lemon. An enticing Eden Valley Riesling drinking well now but built to last.

Intense lively fruit aromas carry through on the palate. Ripe apple, pear and peach characters with a distinct fresh acidity, typical of cool climate Chardonnay.

LEO BURING DW Q97 Leonay Mature Release Riesling, Eden Valley

Immediately appealing aromas of tropical fruits such as guava, kaffir lime and green mango against a more restrained nashi pear note. The exotic fruit profile intermingles with Asian spices such as lemongrass and pickled Japanese ginger. The palate’s medium weight demonstrates a lightness and deft touch, with long acidity and acute fruit flavours. The mineral like acidity shines through with a saline and seashell freshness.

The colour of gold struck through with green, this Riesling shows classic lime and mineral aromas with a touch of gooseberry. Rich and full-bodied, the citrus and tropical fruit flavours are underpinned by crisp acidity.

For John Hughes, the attraction to Riesling is all encompassing. Growing up on a small vineyard in the Clare Valley, and going on to work with some of the brightest Riesling makers in the country before launching his own venture, John is never far away from his beloved grape. John makes classic Australian styles from carefully selected vineyards with an emphasis on purity and site reflection, as well as German-inspired expressions that balance acidity and sugar with singular precision.

In 1839, shortly after his arrival from England, Joseph Gilbert started building a fine homestead in Eden Valley and planted the region’s first grapevines in 1847. Like so many vineyards in the 1920s and 30s, Pewsey Vale fell into disuse but, thankfully, its potential was rediscovered. In 1961, pastoralist Geoffrey Angas Parsons became aware his property had once incorporated the region’s earliest vineyard and shared his discovery with good friend, and vigneron Wyndham Hill-Smith. Hill-Smith needed no further persuasion – work soon began on re-establishing Pewsey Vale Vineyard. Initially, 56 hectares of Riesling were planted in contoured rows. The several remaining hectares of these vines continue to provide fruit for Pewsey Vale Vineyard The Contours Riesling. All plantings at Pewsey Vale Vineyard are propagated from the original 1847 vines. Brilliant water like core with greenish tinged edges. Leaping out of the glass are lime, citrus and orange rind scents trailed by some distinct talc and subtle steely mineral notes. Scrumptious lime and citrus fruits are underscored by crunchy acidity with notions of orange rind, chalky talc and flinty mineral elements lining the back half. Excellent intensity with a dry, tense and long snappy finish that’s laced with minerality. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Alc. 11.5%