Stargazer Single Vineyard Riesling 2023

Stargazer pays tribute to Abel Tasman, who as an explorer and navigator, must have spent a fair amount of time gazing towards the heavens. Tasman, a Dutchman under the employ of the United East India Company was the first European to sight Tasmania and then the South Island of New Zealand. Located in the Tea Tree subregion at the northern end of the Coal River Valley, the original single hectare vineyard was planted in 2004. Pretty much half and half riesling and pinot noir, the property is also home to an olive grove.

Talented winemaker and wine judge Samantha Connew took over the property in 2016 and expanded the vineyard to include additional vines: more pinot noir, some chardonnay and more riesling along with smaller quantities of gamay, pinot blanc, pinot gris and gewurztraminer.

This wine teeters on the brink between ‘dry’ and ‘off dry’, but simply put it’s just superbly balanced in terms of acid and fruit/RS. All the grapes are sourced from a single vineyard in the Tea Tree subregion of Coal River, planted in 2004 at a vineyard density 5000 vines per hectare. Soil type as  described by Samantha is predominantly dark clay on Jurassic dolerite. Hand harvested in two picks a fortnight apart, both picks were de-stemmed and left in contact with skins for 8 hours prior to gentle pressing. 100% wild fermented by indigenous yeasts in stainless stell for 6 weeks. After arresting ferments the juice was left on lees for a further 6 weeks before blending and bottling with 8.6 grams of residual sugar. 

Stargazer Single Vineyard Riesling 2023 vintage is a Quartz-green in colour. Crammed with vibrant green apple and yuzu notes on the nose, with lifted jasmine and crystallised ginger aromatics. The palate’s bright acidity and river-stone flavours are balanced with a gentle fruit sweetness and a bright, glossy finish.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - Australia
Region - Coal River Valley, Tasmania
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12%