Melva by KT Watervale Riesling 2013 (Clare Valley, SA)
12%, Screwcap, $26
Source: Wine List
www.winesbykt.com
Easily amongst the tastiest Rieslings in the country, this (just) off-dry Clare white is a model for how a careful level of residual sugar (just 8g/L) can make for a classic Australian Riesling.
Sourced from the dry grown 40 year old Peglidis vineyard, this wild fermented (in old oak) white shows an extra intensity on both nose and palate not often seen in your typical Watervale Riesling. The palate, too, is both plump and powerful, a marriage of mid palate texture, filled in with just a little sweetness, capped off with perfectly balanced natural acidity. Such natural acidity too! Nothing added here, and the shape looks all the better for it.
Strictly speaking this is not a profound wine, instead driven by a perfect balance of fruit flavour, acidity and just a little sweetness. Balance is key, and this wine nails it. More please!
Drink: 2013-2023+
Score: 18.7/20, 95/100
Would I buy it? Absolutely.
You might also like
2 Comments
This and the other Rieslings on their way, though I might not get to them soon because I've had them delivered to my parents' house in Brisbane (I live on the Gold Coast). My Dad never buys wine, but KT is one of his favorites if he is going to drink wine, along with Hoddles Creek (he prefers white wine, in general). Likes Timo Mayer's stuff too. Makes a change from Toohey's New, I think. I've also ordered some of the reds. Never had a KT red.
MC
I haven't had a KT red for years either. See the Rieslings often, but less of the reds.
Oh and my Dad prefers his red wine with ice cubes…