Settlement Ashmore Riesling 2022

From the Ashmore vineyard at the southern end of the Wairau Valley, planted in 1997 on silt loam soils over clay, a soil signature distinct to the Southern Valleys. Vines now over 25 years old and established enough that irrigation is rarely needed, drawing instead on what the site naturally provides.

Hand-picked and whole bunch pressed to tank. Marlborough’s naturally high acidity, every vintage coming in under pH 3, shaped Steve’s decision to finish fermentation early, retaining 15 to 20 grams of residual sugar for balance. Twelve months in bottle before release.

“Aromas and flavours of lime and lime skin, white peach and mineralised wet stone ideas. There’s a lick of kerosine then a rush of white flowers and apple. Off-dry in an Auslese style with a contrasting backbone of acidity with core fruit and mineral flavours punching through with ease. Well made, an exciting expression with best drinking from day of purchase through 2033+.” – 93 pts – Cameron Douglas

“Lifted perfume with a touch of toasty development. Lime juice and sweet apple with a burst of honeyed sweetness, this light-bodied, racy and zesty riesling is beautifully balanced against its feather-light, medium-dry palate. At a lovely point for drinking now but it will easily continue gaining biscuity complexity for several more years.” – 92 pts – Stephen Wong

“Fragrant aromas of lemon peel, candied lime zest and slate. The palate is light-bodied with high-tension acidity and creamy texture from residual sweetness, giving notes of orange blossoms, mandarins and flint. Mosel in style with nice freshness. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” – 91 pts – James Suckling