“Springvale has come into its own” says Jeff, reflecting on his careful choice of site and how the result has been a surprise. “Springvale covers just 6 hectares of a much larger property at Watervale. Planted to exactly mirror the limestone below, the aim was to produce a ‘typical’ Watervale riesling. However, as the vines matured and the roots hit Mintaro slate buried deep below the limestone, recent vintages have expressed a unique site-specific, more mineral profile.”
There are attractive lime and lemon blossom aromas with an underlying chalky minerality; a supple mid-palate showing more generosity than its sibling, yet tight and fine, leading to an expressive finish that is vibrant, crisp and has wonderful length. It’s neatly balanced, minerally and delightfully dry. Perfect with grilled calamari, white fish or roast chicken salad.
Awards: Langton Classification VI: Rated ‘Outstanding’
Wine Ark: one of Australia’s ‘Five Most Collected White Wines’
Ageing Potential: 5-15 years, up to 20 years
Source: Grosset Springvale Vineyard (ACO certified)
Fining: Nil- suitable for vegans and vegetarians
Release Date: 1 September 2015
James Halliday ‘Australian Wine Companion’ June 2016
Classic release. Takes life in its stride, feeling thoroughly unforced from go to whoa, and yet its combination of prettiness, softness, and bursting flavour places it straight in tip top territory. Blossomy citrus, chalk, fennel and steel notes convey the message, but its real class is in the wiring, the surge, the electricity it generates. Drink by 2030. Rating: 97 (and awarded ‘Special Value’). 97 Points.
Jeremy Oliver ‘Jeremyoliver.com’ November 2015
Reminiscent of some of the Polish Hills of yesteryear, this tightly focused and deeply layered riesling reveals a piercingly fragrant bouquet of lime juice, lavender, white peach, pear and apple underpinned by suggestions of chalk dust and tropical fruit. It’s mouth-wateringly flavoured with layers of fruit and chalkiness, coating the palate towards its trim, taut and almost bone-dry finish of searingly fresh, nervy citrusy acids. Wonderfully balanced and complete – a true long-term style of purity and texture. 97 Points.
Tim White ‘AFR Weekend’ November 22-23 2015
Deep and intense: concentrated pear fruit. Fruit fruit fruit, in fact; waiting to unwind in the years to come. So powerful, chewy and deep on the tongue too. Super long and mouth-sucking. Needs five years to realise its full potential. 95(96)/100.
