VALLI WAITAKI RIESLING 2022

Jen Parr, Winemaker notes (2022 Vintage)
"An intensely aromatic nose of lime zest, citrus, wild flowers and white pepper with more subtle aromas of tangerine and lemongrass. The palate is beautifully balanced and pure with flavours of zesty lemon, lime, sage, and sea-salt with a wonderful energy that sings of limestone soils. This off-dry Riesling is delicious on its own or as an aperitif; it will also pair wonderfully with fresh fish, seafood, summer salads and light-medium spiced Indian or Thai cuisine. Remarkably drinkable at release, this fresh and fragrant wine will continue to develop and delight for 15+/- years."

5 Stars Michael Cooper, December 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Full of potential, the intensely varietal 2022 vintage was hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Bright, light lemon/green, it is finely scented and light-bodied, with vibrant, citrusy, slightly appley flavours, showing excellent delicacy and concentration, a splash of sweetness (17 grams/litre of residual sugar), steely acidity and a very long finish. Best drinking 2027+."

5 Stars & 96/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, December 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Offering exceptional elegance and poise, the wine shows white flesh stone fruit, lemon sorbet, crunchy apple and white floral notes on the nose. The palate displays excellent concentration and finely flowing mouthfeel, wonderfully complemented by subtle sweetness and racy acidity, finishing impressively long and ultra fine. Style: Off-dry. At its best: 2025 to 2037."

Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, November 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Fantastic wine. An off-dry expression with a backbone of acidity both holding onto and accentuating flavours of apple and lemon, there’s a core of minerality from stone to chalk and salivating acid line that carries flavours and textures throughout the palate. Delicious, just dry on a very long finish and very easy to drink."

5 Stars & 19/20 (95) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, November 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Bright, even, pale yellow with a tinge of green. The nose is striking and poised with citrus, minerals and blossom aromas. Medium-bodied, off-dry to taste, aromas of lime and lime peels at the core, melded with Granny Smith, apple blossom, saline and minerals. The mouthfeel is lightly chalky; striking tension drives with good energy to a crisp, tantalising finish. This Waitaki Riesling is packed with citrus and tension, adorned with a chalky mouthfeel and saline. Match with raw diamond clams and fish head terrine over the next 10+ years. Fruit from Grant's Road, fermented in stainless steel to 10% alc, 17 g/l RS."

93/100 Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review, June 2024 (2022 Vintage)
"Pale white-gold. Subdued nose of apple and herb. Sweet palate with lighter body, very high saline/mineral acidity and light-weight apple flavours on a grainy palate with balancing phenolics. Citrus and apple flavours carry through on the finish where it turns towards earthy, mineral flavours like Alsatian rieslings do, except that this is really quite light and medium-sweet. Austere, saline and with bracingly high acidity, a wine for riesling purists and those happy to wait several years before opening their bottles."

Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz Magazine October/November 2024 (2022 Vintage)
"This is an intensely aromatic cool climate wine with 9.5% alcohol. This makes it medium sweet, but thanks to its medium body, bold acidity and concentrated citrusy aromas, it finishes on a crisp dry-ish note. Flavours in this lively young Riesling are of ripe mandarin and tropical lime juice in a succulent wine with  
refreshingly long finish. A lovely drink now and will reward ageing for at least 10 years."