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Slight lift on the nose from barrel fermentation and long lees contact; a fitting compliment to the primary fruit by way of strawberry and fresh berry compote. There is a tenderness to this year's wine, the silky tannin-structure is first-rate with just enough back palate weight, by way of stalk use and light French oak, to hold its length. Meadowbank's Riesling vines, mostly Geisenheim 198 clone, were planted in 2005 and, since the arrival of Peter Dredge in 2016, have surely never been put to better use. From 2017 Dredge has rolled out organic practices across all the estate's vineyards allocated for the rebooted Meadowbank label. From the estate's sandy north-facing slopes overlying dark brown coffee rock, this spine-tingling Riesling was hand-picked, whole cluster pressed and naturally fermented in a mix of neutral oak (30%) and stainless tank. Both parcels were matured on their lees for five months before blending and bottling without fining. It's an incisively fresh Riesling offering Tassie Riesling's typical mix of fresh green apple and citrus and an acid spine seamlessly balanced by 8 g/L residual sugar. Meadowbank was first planted in 1974 prior to the purchase of the estate by Gerald and Sue Ellis in 1976. The initial plantings were small, but the business was enthusiastically grown by Gerald into the premium offering that is seen today. Partnering with friend and winemaker Peter Dredge, the next chapter is now being written. Meadowbank is the purest realisation of what our vineyard and Tasmania can offer. Located in the verdant Coal River Valley, north of Hobart in Tasmania, Meadowbank has two estate vineyards spanning over 50 hectares. The primary vineyard sites are at Cambridge and Glenora. Modern winemaking influence is obvious in these well packaged, cleanly made wines. Reflecting their cool climate origins, the winemaking team pick at physiological ripeness to elicit the most natural expression of their fruit.

The combined effects of site soil and climate on the vine. The Barossa has some very distinct sub-regions which exhibit their own unique influence on the wine. A journey through the Terroirs is a lesson in the Barossas versatility. We have chosen Eden Valley to highlight its rich, darker flavours unique to this high altitude, cooler climate and rocky, clay loam soils.

Mid straw in colour with green hues. Intense classic lemon fruit aromas with a hint of white flowers. Bottle aged characters of toast, clove oil and lemongrass have started to emerge. Shows great length and depth with concentrated power, pristine fresh lime juice overlaid with toasted brioche, sage oil and lime marmalade. The wine finishes with fresh, soft natural acidity. Pewsey Vale is synonymous with Riesling, and this historic hillside vineyard that rules the Eden Valley in South Australia is world-famous for the distinct style it produces. Originally established in 1847 by Joseph Gilbert, it was purchased by Samuel Smith (now Hill-Smith of Yalumba) in 1961. The vineyard sits 250 metres above the Barossa Valley floor. The resultant cooler temperatures encourage a longer ripening period that is essential for producing superior Riesling grapes. Made by renowned winemaker Louisa Rose, the Rieslings of Pewsey Vale have a distinct lime character together with florals and a touch of spice. When young they are vibrant and tight with upright acidity. As the wines age, they gain complexity with honeyed tones, but they are very long-lived, so patience is a must!

Rieslingfreak is indeed ‘a freak’, and not simply because of its rarity as an Australian winemaker focused on a single variety. A collection of wines, each given its own number to represent a different style, region or vineyard. The home of the No.14 is a single vineyard at Watervale in the Clare Valley, a region renowned for producing Riesling of richness and elegance. This wine may be enjoyed in its youth, but will also reward long-term cellaring.

The Ridge of Tears Orange Riesling has a perfume of orange blossom, lime leaf, lavender, mandarin peel and wet stone. The sleek palate has a seamless flow with flavours of lime cordial, red apple and ginger before a bright, long finish.

This beautifully mature 2017, has a Top Gold, 7 Golds and 96pts from Halliday. "Peter Lehmann's Margaret Semillon provides complex drinking and a length of flavour that many producers aspire to. It's a regional classic, and rightly so", as Dave Brooks writes in The Halliday Wine Companion, "All lemon butter spread on freshly toasted brioche with hints of soft spice, marzipan, wildflowers, crushed stone and drying fields. Dry, savoury, long and compelling. Some crustaceans and some of this and you are in a very good place. 96pts. Great Value.”