2020. What a year (and it’s still only August!) This release of perennial off-dry fave sees the McLaren Vale crew reach up to Riesling’s spiritual home in Australia, the Clare Valley for fruit, along with a parcel from the Adelaide Hills. According to the winemaking team at d’Arry for 2020: “Yields were down significantly, the lowest in memory, however, quality is exceptional.”

d’Arenberg, The Dry Dam, Riesling, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, 2020

Pale lemon in the glass. The residual sugars cause the wine to slowly slink down the sides of the glass after a swirl. Floral, near pungent: lemony/limey citrus with almond kernel, cold green apple, white flowers and dusty icing sugar. The palate carrying a medium amount of viscosity as expected with the residual sugars, giving a small amount of flesh before vibrant acidity cuts through with sharp intent. Some of the chalky, dusty Riesling elements remain through the finish, competing with the juiciness of the RS. A little more time in bottle to settle down.

RRP: $19
Alc: 10%
Rating: 17.75/20 (91/100)

Wine sample courtesy of d’Arenberg