Producing Botrytis Selection Riesling is comparative to the transition of an "ugly duckling" of dried botrytis fruit into a "beautiful swan" of densely concentrated dessert wine. This 2016 Reserve Noble Riesling offers candied citrus peel, toffee, apricot, honeysuckle and ginger spice on the nose. Fresh acidity and pithy phenolics create a deceptively lively and fresh palate. Flavours are layered with spice, florals, orange marmalade and a zippy acid backbone.

The climate in Marlborough has high sunshine hours, however, the temperatures during the growing season are regulated by the cooling ocean influence. The majority of the 2016 Noble Riesling was sourced from the Fletcher Vineyard with some Ensor Vineyard fruit also making Reserve quality.

Located on the central valley floor of the Wairau Valley, the Fletcher Vineyard is characterised by free-draining alluvial soils. Pruned to balance the site naturally, Riesling grapes are first encouraged to ripen, then noble botrytis is encouraged through autumnal dews and crisp cool weather. With careful late season management, the fruit is harvested after the botrytis has drawn much of the berries' moisture, concentrating sugars, acids and flavour.

230gL RS