Galafrey Dry Land Reserve Riesling 2014

I always look forward to the Galafrey wines. That ‘dry land’ nomenclature isn’t just for show; the vineyard is all dry-grown, and typically the concentration improves because of it.

2014 was a warm vintage in Mt Barker and I think this looks just a little fat. Clear green straw in colour, there is a deep ripe fruit width here that is typical Galafrey, though there is this ‘Schweppes lemonade out of a can’ tinny citrus fruit sweetness that doesn’t quite fit. There’s a broadness through the middle of this, tightened up by very firm acidity, all making for a sweet and sour style that clunks along. Great intensity of flavour but it doesn’t quite reconcile, and the pineappley aftertaste jars too.

Impressive intensity, but not quite a complete drink.

Details: 11.5%, Screwcap, $25
Tasted: May 2015 (sample)
Best drinking: 2015-2028
Score: 16.8/20, 89/100
Would I buy it? No.
Buy online: Galafrey website

Wine

About me – Andrew Graham

At 18 I started working in a small suburban bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. It was my first year of university, doing a degree that I didn't really like, and a liquor shop seemed like fun. Needless to say I discovered wine, my uni degree morphed into something completely different and wine/beer took over my life.

Almost twenty years later and I currently spend my days wearing many (wine) hats, mostly as a writer, presenter and marketer.

While wearing my writer cap I write features for the likes of National Liquor News, Gourmet Traveller WINE and the RAS plus I'm a Lifestyle FOOD channel wine expert. Read more about me here or get in touch to book your next wine event with me here.

Galafrey Dry Land Reserve Riesling 2014