Werkstatt 2026 Mount Gambier Riesling

"The Werkstatt 2026 Mount Gambier Riesling is an appealing straw yellow, with a hint more gold than previous vintages. The faintest hint of mineral reduction quickly clears to reveal a wonderfully marine nose of sea spray flecked limestone, with pink grapefruit and pomelo preceding mandarin oil and flesh of same with hints of Pineapple Sage in the background lending intrigue. There is a marvellous sense of olfactory piquancy. The palate is enormously zesty yet still silken on attack, with fantastic acid profile that feels very true to the citrus flavours that abound. The palate possess an unerring sense of symmetry to its structure, unfolding in a chiastic arc: 

spice - wax & bran - fruit - piquant fruit - bitterness - herbs/spices - wax

and consequently, first, we have bay, green cardamom, Kampot peppercorn; then melted candlewax. Following is a core of sweet Tahitian lime zest and pink grapefruit, then mandarin oil and flesh that seemingly washes over a salty limestone base. I note here that the acidity is surging at first then coheres into a fine, rapier line straight down the middle of the tongue. This segues into a pleasing tartness, in turn then into gastronomic bitterness akin to mandarin pith and lemon peel; then citrus and coriander seed. The finish is staggeringly fresh, with lingering salinity and slight repeating notes of dried honey and wax. A wild ride; incredible. Excellent." — David