Ashton Hills Riesling 2012 Ashton Hills Riesling 2012
13%, Screwcap, $30
Source: Cellar Door

The only white variety to escape the recent grafting frenzy at Ashton Hills (that saw the vineyard change to be 2.65ha Pinot Noir and 0.35ha Riesling, with the Chardonnay et al all grafted to Pinot) and in absolute top form here.

This Riesling is picked ripe and fermented to almost dryness (5.5g/l), the wine built with an emphasis on texture, achieved via some extended time on lees.

A wine of contrasts, initially it smells quite green and lean, floral, pretty and cool, the ripe fruit underneath taking a while to show. I like the tension between grapefruit fruit, briny aspiring limey acidity on the palate, the finish just softened by barely perceptible sweetness.

Great restraint and impressive structure, I really like the refreshment here – so much more natural and fresher than some slightly more forced Clare/Eden Rieslings of a similar vein – a floral breath of fresh air. A year or two in the cellar and this should look more expressive too, letting the very linear palate flower through the middle.

Lovely drink.

Drink: 2012-2022+
Score: 18/20 93/100
Would I buy it? Absolutely.