2022 Meadowbank Riesling

Meadowbank’s Riesling vines are spread across three sites planted in 1974, 2005 and 2015. The block planted in 1974 predates the establishment of Meadowbank and the clone is unknown. The 2005 block, which accounts for 65% of the blend, is planted to Geisenheim 198, a clone susceptible to botrytis—something that Pete lets run in most years (provided conditions are dry). You learn something new every day! He advocates for the botrytis influence to add intensity and weight to his Riesling, and points to the practice used widely in Germany—he’s in a cool climate and he’s using a German clone: if it’s good for the goose… All blocks were handpicked. The fruit from the 2005 block was fermented in stainless steel, handled oxidatively and fermented to four grams per litre residual sugar, while the fruit from the other plantings was fermented in old oak and fermented dry. Both parcels were matured on their lees before blending and bottling (without fining). A fantastically individual expression of Australian Riesling, the 2022 opens its ledger with scents of white florals, salty citrus, lime leaf and chalky aromatics. The palate is multi-layered and bursting with flavour and mouth-filling texture—a Tasmanian Grosses Gewächs? It is rocky and tightly packed, with silky intensity studded by mineral saltiness and a depth-charge of racy freshness. Pete swears his 2022 is the best Riesling he’s made at Meadowbank (which means it’s the best Riesling made here, period). At the risk of a cease and desist, it refreshes the parts other Rieslings cannot reach.