** Click here to learn more about the NZ Riesling Challenge 2010 **
"12 renowned New Zealand winemakers - 12 Individual bottles of great Riesling"
Waipara Riesling 1: Patrick Materman - Pernod Ricard NZ, Marlborough
The wine is pale straw in colour. Aromas of orange blossom and mandarin peel abound, along with vibrant white nectarine notes. Citrus fruit and honey flavours dominate the palate with an excellent balance of natural sweetness and acidity.
Waipara Riesling 2: Dr John Forrest - Forrest Wines, Marlborough
Produced in an “off dry” style, this wine shows orange blossom, mandarin and tangerine on the nose with hints of cumquat and white peach. A complex, juicy wine with fresh, crisp, balanced acidity and perfect weight in the mouth.
Waipara Riesling 3: Simon Waghorn - Astrolabe Wines, Marlborough
"I made this wine in a plush, sumptuous vein, retaining some of the natural sugar and the attractive flavours of ripe Riesling. The bouquet is of freshly cut red delicious apples and tangerine rind. The palate has more ripe apple, light apricot juice and citrus flower. A wine to enjoy any time of day."
Waipara Riesling 4: Larry McKenna - Escarpment Vineyards, Martinborough
A sweet style has been created (55g/l) to ideally match fruit based desserts or enjoy as an aperitif for something to liven up the taste buds. It is a true reflection of Waipara’s distinctive terroir. Cellar up to five years successfully.
Waipara Riesling 5: Ant Mackenzie - Te Awa Winery, Hawkes Bay
Preservation of elegance was our goal with this Riesling. Gentle pressing, extended juice settling and a controlled, cool ferment has retained the aromatics and given the palate a wonderful taut balance of residual sugar, acid and classic Riesling fruit.
Waipara Riesling 6: Mike Brown - Golden Hills Estate, Nelson
Aromas of apple, nashi and lemongrass lead into a mineral laced palate where initial sweetness is balanced by racy acidity and fine phenolics.
Waipara Riesling 7: Paul Bourgeois - Spy Valley, Marlborough
Dry and textural, this Riesling combines aromas of ripe stone fruit with lifted notes of honeysuckle and citrus skins. The palate is generous and well defined with a crisp, persistent finish.
Waipara Riesling 8: Jules Taylor - Jules Taylor Wines, Marlborough
"Thanks Mud House for the opportunity to be involved in this ‘experiment’….what a fabulous way to expose NZ Riesling lovers to 12 different versions of one block of fruit." Made in an off dry style, this Riesling is full of delicious citrus and floral aromatics which are also evident on the palate. Firm acidity balances out the natural sweetness and leaves you wanting for more!
Waipara Riesling 9: Simon McGeorge - Waipara Hills, Waipara
"…a great chance to see the variety of approaches and philosophies from some of NZ’s greatest winemakers.." Aromas of elderflower, kaffir lime, wet river stones and a touch of fresh apple and honey lead on to a palate of vibrant acidity, fleshy texture and lingering apple and lime characters. Elegant, persistent and endearing.
Waipara Riesling 10: Matt Donaldson - Pegasus Bay, Waipara
"The Riesling challenge is an interesting concept that will be great for promoting the variety……it is a pleasure & a privilege to be involved" A luscious classic style.
Waipara Riesling 11: Duncan Forsyth - Mount Edward Wines, Central Otago
"This will be no challenge for the lucky wine drinkers – more like the Big Easy – the opportunity to try 12 different and delicious wines from the world’s best white wine variety and all from the same vineyard – give me some more please" Floral and citrus aromas are enhanced by flavours of lemon, limes and stone fruits, underpinned by mineral characters and refreshing acidity. Nothing sweet here – brace yourselves.
Waipara Riesling 12: Matt Dicey - Mount Difficulty Wines, Central Otago
Produced in a classic “Central” medium style, redolent with mandarin and peach blossom. Juicy tangerine flavours intermingle with stone fruit whilst the residual sugar and vibrant acidity skip hand in hand down the path of vinous amicability.