The Winemaker’s Wife ‘Waipara’ Riesling 2017
Grape Varietal: 100% Riesling
Growing Region: Waipara Valley - New Zealand
Owners & Winemaker: Olive & Simon McGeorge
4 Stars ★★★★
As many of you already know - I am a passionate fan of Riesling, and the new generation of wine enthusiasts have such a vibrant and refreshing array of expressions to enjoy. I have known Simon for more years than the two us want to count. And in my opinion, Simon is a master of Riesling - and this is just another confirmation of his wealth of understanding in what can be achieved even during testing vintages.
I remember tasting this wine with Simon in the winery in Waipara while it was still working through maturation - but it was clear then, as it is now, it had varietal typicity.
Simon’s passion for winemaking and aromatic varietals drive him to constantly explore new techniques to create expressive wines with a global appeal - and this wine is designed to excite taste buds this summer.
Before I delve into this Riesling - a word from Simon - “The Winemaker’s Wife is produced in honour of the woman behind the wine. She is a constant source of inspiration, diversion and support. This wine celebrates partnership and is a tribute to all that can be achieved by two people working together.”
And that woman is Olive Hill - ‘The Winemaker’s Wife’ - literally and figuratively. Simon & Olive launched this new label in October 2015, as part of the McGEORGE Wine Co. With their only two wines at the time both winning ‘Gold’ at the 2016 Canterbury Wine Awards, an ideal start for the label - though, not Simon’s first rodeo.
• In the glass you will be greeted by a bright, pale straw-yellow colour with soft green hues. On the nose this Riesling presents a cool and calm persona, with only a subtle insight into the fruit bowl of citrus fruits. On the dance-floor (that is your tongue for those new to my reviews) this Riesling is vibrant, generous and bursting with bright citrus flavours. Showcasing mandarin peel, a lavish squeeze of luscious lime with a touch of honeysuckle sweetness. All merged with green apples & pear notes resulting in a mouth-watering style. This is an elegantly concentrated, softly textured wine that has a good amount of fruit acidity in reserve to lift and give a bright, refreshing finish.
This 2017 The Winemaker’s Wife ‘Waipara’ Riesling has 12% Alc./vol. - and with 15g/L residual sugar. Chill gently and serve in an aromatic wine glass at 7°- 8°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 2/12/2018)
Drinking perfectly well this season; plus, will age nicely for another 18 - 24 months.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with scallops, prawn rolls, sushi & sashimi, seafood pasta with fresh green herbs, mixed Asian and vegetarian cuisine - enjoy.
