The Reserve Watervale Riesling 2020

From the 2020 vintage, a small parcel from the Castine “Hayshed” block stood out for its unique character and potential for ageing and was kept separate from the main Watervale blend.

The ‘Hayshed Block’ has east-west row orientation and a gentle west facing aspect. The vineyard sits at approximately 420m above sea level from top to bottom. Even with a dry winter 2018 was a great Watervale vintage with excellent quality, and the Hayshed block produced wine of exceptional purity and finesse allowing for extended ageing and a late release.

The grapes were harvested on the 25th of February with the fruit being taken immediately to Watervale for pressing to avoid extended skin contact and over extraction of phenolics.

Made using the classic methods of the great John Vickery, light pressings material was included to develop structure and longevity but finessed to avoid excessive extraction or bitterness. The wine has been maturing in our temperature controlled cellar until deemed appropriate for release.