Colmar Estate was planted high on the slopes of Mount Canobolas. This Reserve Riesling made from 23-year-old, GM198 clone vines. Current custodian and vigneron Bill Shrapnel says “The quality of the grapes gave us the opportunity to challenge our winemaking. A component of early-picked fruit received extended skin contact, with some skins in the ferment. Another component was matured in seasoned French puncheons, with a later-picked parcel fermented in stainless steel. The winemaking was directed at building complexity and layers that would complement and not detract from the quality of the pristine fruit. ” Can’t really argue with any of that!

Colmar Estate, Reserve, Riesling, Orange, 2022

Very pale lemon in colour. Incredibly pristine in aroma, delicacy with floral and citrus nuances. More about its poise than fruit. Some flinty struck match and steel wool ferrous notes with a suggestion of sweetness. Purity framed with structure and an ethereal will-o’-the-wisp sense of being. A little platform of texture from the winemaking gives support to a long, delicate finish.

RRP: $55
Alc: 12%
Rating: 19/20 (96/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Colmar Estate and Define Wine