Clonakilla Riesling 2024

It has been a remarkable journey for Clonakilla. When John Kirk planted the first vines in 1971 he had no idea that his vineyard would one day be celebrated as one of the best in the country. Along the way there have been trials and tribulations as well as moments of unprecendented success.

Murrumbateman’s cool, continental climate and decomposed granite soils are perfectly suited to Riesling. The 2024 season saw good spring rain, warm summer days, cool nights and a glorious early autumn. The grapes came in ripe and full of flavour. Lifted floral notes, bright citrus fruit and river pebble freshness in abundance this year.

Drink now or cellar for up to 30 years and watch it develop lime and toast characters with age.

I’ve never grown or made riesling so take this comment with a grain of salt, as my favourite rumour sites would say. But having tasted thousands and thousands of new release rieslings over the years my impression is – easy for me to say – that it’s easy to make a good, competent riesling, but it’s hard to make one that stands out. This riesling stands out! It has intensity and it has length, and that’s why it’s an excellent wine, from an excellent season, worthy of a high score. But that’s not what makes it stand out. It’s the slatey, concrete-y, tonic-like side to it, the purity that seems other than fruit, and the amelioration of softness inherent in such characters, that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into something that’s better than what’s come before. - Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront, 95 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - Australia
Region - Hilltops, NSW
Vintage - 2024
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 11.5%