St Andrew is the patron saint of long-lived riesling and in 2012 he has ascended to new spiritual heights. A pretty bouquet of lifted apple blossom introduces a palate that walks a knife-edge of ripeness. Pronounced, searing acidity is offset cleverly with a touch of fruit sweetness, without deviating from the perfect ripeness of lime […]

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The 2012 edition of Stephanie Toole’s cult status sticky captures a harmony between crisp citrus zest, grüner-veltliner-like white pepper and the exotic lusciousness and profound persistence of sweet honey, juicy peach, persimmon and layers of mixed spice. A savoury ferment note contributes further complexity, underlined by soft, chalky, Watervale minerality. $30 at Wine Culture, Cracka, […]

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Leonay’s philosophy of purity, elegance and longevity is exemplified in 2012. Sourced from the same south facing block as 2011, the gloriously consistent and mild 2012 season has given birth to an introspective wine, coiled up tight, slowly unravelling to reveal understated lemon and lime pulp and focused granny smith apple fruit of considerable depth, […]

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I had absolutely no idea of the price of this classic and refined riesling when I tasted it for the first time this week, and I was completely floored when I later discovered that it can be yours for the measly sum of $14 (Purvis Cellars). It proclaims a much higher value in its even […]

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If you’re on the hunt for a case of riesling to shove in the cellar for as long as possible and you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, you’ll never do it cheaper than the Joshua Tree. The high-tensile acidity that slices through a core of pristine lemon juice promises a confident future indeed. […]

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A perpetual bargain of Watervale, O’Leary and Walker have captured crunchy fruit definition of granny smith apple and aromas of red apple and lime, with lifted lemon blossom high notes. A little phenolic firmness suggests it will drink best in its youth, making for a bargain quaffer to enjoy right away. $17 at Jim’s, The […]

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There is an admirably introverted reticence to this wine which is rarely seen at this price, but given a little time in the cellar and a bit of love in the glass, great things will happen. Purity and precision are the themes here, with an enticing air of granny smith apple, lime juice and lemon […]

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It is exceedingly rare for any wine at this price to exemplify such pristine, crystalline structure, seamless line and undeterred persistence. When the wines of the double-blind tasting were unveiled, I assumed this must be the (significantly higher priced) Mort’s Reserve Riesling, not the entry model that you can snare for just $16 (Edinburgh Cellars). […]

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Knappstein is one of Clare’s most consistently pristine entry-level rieslings and 2012 is one of the greats. Precise lime juice, granny smith apple and lemon blossom carry seamlessly from refined bouquet through a palate of brilliant intensity, unreserved focus and incredible persistence. Layers of chalky mineral structure are bolstered with a touch of subtle, well-gauged […]

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The deep-set slatey minerality of Polish Hill River snaps into sharp focus in the 2012 vintage, and the texture infused is the highlight one of the famous subregion’s most keenly priced rieslings. Its taut, honed backbone tames generously intense fruit with a core of lemon juice and crunchy granny smith apples and a riper wild […]

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