A Riesling from Bannockburn in Central Otago – Block 1 is a north-facing section of the Elms Vineyard, with heavy silt soils. At fifteen years of age, it is showing as a medium depth straw colour in the glass, and the perfume is equally golden and intense. Apricot, peach, blood orange fruits, with apple pie, lemon peel and elderflower top notes on the nose. Vibrantly ripe and unctuous into the palate, where a fair whack of residual sugar does a tightrope walk with the zing of acidity that provides a backbone for that intense fruit to take centre stage. Low alcohol (9.0%) makes leads you into a finish with a lighter, delicate touch. 94pts
Felton Road ‘Block 1’ Riesling 2010
