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

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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, slogging through physics and chemistry, so a liquor shop seemed like fun. Needless to say, I discovered wine, and my life evolved with a unique dual focus - wine and environment.

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

I now judge at wine shows around the world, sit on the Australian Wine List of the Year awards panel and was once a Wine Journalism Young Gun (but baby that was years ago).

Currently, I write features for a variety of publications including National Liquor News, Gourmet Traveller WINE and the RAS, plus I'm a former Lifestyle FOOD channel wine expert.

In 2019 and 2020 I was voted in the Top 30 Best Wine Critics in The World, and in my spare time, I'm a sucker for punishment and run trail ultra marathons, much to the delight of my long-suffering family. Read more about me here or get in touch to book your next wine event with me here
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Galafrey Dry Land Reserve Riesling 2014