Description
This fine expression of riesling is sourced from 3 blocks in the Eden Valley. More than 80% came from 2 vineyards at the southern end of Eden just below the High Eden boundary- low yielding gravelly soils renowned for elegant mineral and citrus characters. The fruit from the third block (50 yr old vineyard of bush vines in Keyneton, north of Eden) was given an oxidative, wild ferment with some skin contact – produced powerful textured wine with aroma of wild provencal herbs and some phenolic grip on the palate.
Winemaker Kim Teusner says about this wine …““The Barossa Valley is home to the oldest and some of the finest Shiraz vineyards in the world. However, someone ‘up there’ must be really looking out for us Barossa winemakers, because right next door we have the Eden Valley, birth place of many of Australia’s supreme dry Rieslings. And if Shiraz is the big, rich and bold ‘king’ of the Barossa Valley, then surely Riesling must be the strong, sensual and desirable ‘empress’ of the Eden Valley.
“We’re lucky enough to work with a fantastic and dedicated vigneron whose vineyard is located merely a stone’s throw from the Eden Valley township itself. With a South Easterly aspect, the vineyard is perched on swale of free draining and ancient granitic sands at an elevation of 420m. The unique combination of site, soil and old vines leads to very low yields of intensely flavoured fruit. The cooler conditions (especially at night) associated with the higher altitudes lead to later ripening and greater retention of natural acidity.
“Harvested in the cool of the morning, we handle our Riesling in the winery a little different to most, with the free-run juice pressed off oxidatively and fermented with some solids at cool temperatures in the pursuit of added flavour and subtle texture. The inherent fruit intensity and fine natural acidity drives great fruit purity, and once your palate negotiates the bright citrus flavours, the wine glides across the mid-palate with an energetic gait showing hints of mineral ‘wet slate’, orange blossom, white flowers and talc.”
“The 2022 Vintage is one of the finest of recent times – only time will tell just how revered it will be. The long dry ‘Indian Summer’ dealt us almost perfect ripening conditions, the small crop harvested with an abundance of flavour and a stunning citrus acid line. A fine talc like quality present reflects the sheer fruit intensity and we thank our ‘mate up on the hill’ for his efforts. It’s a great drink…and I have to say thanks to my sister Lee for bringing the essence of The Empress…strong, sensual, desirable…to life on the front label.”
92 points, David Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion “Pale straw with pure lime and green apple fruits along with hints of Christmas lily, Epsom salts, crushed stone, white flowers and a whiff of fennel. The palate swells with sapid, limey fruit before focussing and powering through to a finish showing excellent fruit purity, ample drive and detail.”
RRP $30 Our Special Price $22.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
