Henschke Peggy's Hill Riesling 2023

The acclaimed Henschke family, foundation members of Australia’s First Families of Wine, was one of the pioneering families of South Australia when Johann Christian Henschke migrated from Silesia (Germany in 1841). Each generation has contributed to the legend with fourth-generation Cyril Henschke pioneering varietal, single-vineyard wines in the 1950s, most famously Mount Edelstone and Hill of Grace Shiraz. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen and his viticulturist wife Prue have won many awards for their talent, innovation, and integration of vineyard and winery. They lead the way with environmental, biodynamic, and organic principles. Henschke wines are handcrafted and deeply personal, reflecting the unique terroir of vineyards: the wine names tell either a personal story of the family or the cultural history of their region.

The riesling takes its name from a local landmark, Peggy’s Hill, at the top of the range between Eden Valley and Keyneton. Produced from selected traditional Henschke Eden Valley growers, whose vines are up to 50 years old, growing in low-vigour ancient Cambrian soils at around 500m altitude. The Eden Valley riesling displays exceptional varietal and regional characteristics.

You can always tell a good Riesling from its velocity and shape in the mouth; an almost tubular, porcelain tunnel of limey fruit propelling itself across the palate. The fruit here is crystalline and pure, all juicy lemon and lime, etched against a framework of quartz-like acidity. Wafts and orange blossom lift it up, and a touch of marzipan and crushed stone flit by, before the wine gathers pace and speeds, bone dry, towards its limey, mineral-laden finish. Such a delight to drink now, but a wine that will cellar wonderfully.

A very intense and chiselled riesling with aromas and flavours of lemon, white peach, and plenty of white florals. The long finish drives deep on a stream of fresh acidity.