Grosset 'Springvale' Watervale Riesling 2008

Few Australian single vineyards can boast the lineage of this wine. This is the 28th vintage in which Grosset has released a Watervale Riesling, with the name 'Springvale' emphasising the fact that it is now entirely from the single vineyard owned by Grosset. Close to the previous site, this vineyard has a slightly higher elevation and almost identical soil and rock structure.

The 2008 vintage is shaping up to be the best since 2002 for Clare riesling while the 'Springvale' increasingly looks closer in quality terms to the 'Polish Hill' than it did in its first 20 years. Having said that, it is fresher, more fragrant and more driven by intense lime juice flavour than the Polish Hill. There is some restraint in this young riesling; vibrance and succulence with zesty, almost earthy and certainly minerally notes; as well as pure fruit before its lingering, dry finish.

General Cellaring Guide: Enjoy now or cellar 5-12 years

Jeremy Oliver

The Australian Wine Annual 2010

97 points

A supremely elegant, finely composed and balanced riesling with a lifted floral perfume of lime and lemon backed by chalky undertones. It’s classically presented, with a long, smooth and deeply layered palate with almost a fatty core of unctuous bright crystalline and candied citrus rind flavour underpinned by a fine, slatey texture. It finishes quite streamlined and dry, with admirable austerity but a lingering presence of vibrant, concentrated flavour.

Matthew Jukes (UK) 100 Best Australian Wines – 2009
www.matthewjukes.com
May 2009
Another Watervale wine, and this time from the guru himself!  Jeff’s 08s are all delicious but the wine to buy must be this one, on account of its extraordinary line and length.  I am always amazed at just how much passion and craftsmanship goes into these wines and in the greater scheme of things, they are still woefully underpriced.

James Halliday Top 100 Wines
The Weekend Australian November 8-9 2008
96 Points
The comparison between Grosset Polish Hill and Springvale (vineyard) Watervale is fascinating, as is the lesser price of the Springvale. This year’s has a more effusive bouquet than the Polish Hill, the expressive lime-juice fruit flavours likewise making this wine ready to go now but without compromising its longevity.
From: Clare Valley, SA
Drink: Now to 2018 with blue swimmer crab

100 Top New Releases
94 points
Huon Hooke Gourmet Traveller Wine December/ January 2009

This is a softer, more juicy wine than the Polish Hill. It has fresh, crisp, herby aromas; the palate is quite rich with abundant flavour. It’s relatively up-front and is starting to drink well but it will reward cellaring too. Cellar 1-7 years +

Judging Panel
The Adelaide Review 'Hot 100 for 2008'
Grosset delivers some impressive weight and depth here, whilst still remaining faithful to the Watervale districts expressive aromatics. There's a lot on offer in 2008, lemon and lime sherbet, grapefruit, citrus blossom and deep, sizzling acidity to wrap it all in long and tight.