2025 'Regional' Riesling

Ravensworth’s Regional Riesling brings together fruit from four Canberra District vineyards: Long Rail Gully, Fisher Vineyard, Briar Hill and the Ravensworth estate. A warm, dry season delivered an early harvest, with the fruit picked between 3 and 6 March.

After eight hours of skin contact, the fruit was pressed into ceramic eggs, concrete vessels and large Stockinger foudre. Extended lees ageing of between six and twelve months builds texture and depth while preserving the wine’s vibrant aromatic character.

Delicate florals, green apple and loads of citrus meet fragrant lime and a gentle touch of ginger spice. Dry and lively, the palate carries plenty of flavour, with bright acidity balanced by a soft, textural feel. A slightly different take on Riesling and all the more delicious for it. Perfect with scallops, fresh seafood or roast pork.

This is a savoury-leaning yet scintillating riesling. It doesn’t scrimp on pickled lime, preserved lemon, ginger, lemongrass and green apple scents and then relays the same in concentrated flavours. Green almond calls in, a little jalapeno and white balsamic lift too. Intense, vibrant, exceptional persistence and heaps of character. At $32 RRP this is ludicrously interesting and good, and willingly steps out of rote winemaking to do so. Kudos.

94 Points Mike Bennie, The Winefront