Viticulture

This single vineyard wine is produced from just six rows in the heart of the 52-acre family owned Staete Landt vineyard, in renowned Rapaura of Marlborough. The rich loamy riverbed and stony riverbank soils produce an excellent Riesling with intense flavours and robust structure. The vines were planted in 2005, so this is the first major vintage. We planted a total of three different clones of which two were selected for the Riesling Dry.

Bud burst and fruit set for the 2008 vintage provided the vines with perfect conditions. So much so that we had to thin the crop significantly. From January on, the weather was hot and dry, with Marlborough experiencing higher than average sunshine hours and high temperatures right up until April. While the days may have been warm, the nights remained cool, resulting in well balanced fruit with clean crisp acidity and intense rich, full ripe fruit flavours.

Harvest Dates: 02/04/2008
Brix: 22.8

Winemaking

All the grapes were handpicked and carefully whole bunch pressed. The juice was fermented in old French puncheons at low temperatures to retain their natural vibrant fruit aromas and flavours.

This has resulted in an elegant and well structured Riesling with extended vibrancy and riper characters.
After fermentation, the wine was taken off the lees and matured in old oak for five months. The wine was racked and bottled in October 2008.

Wine Analysis

Alcohol: 12.6%; Acidity: 7.3g/L; pH: 2.83; Sugar: 11g/L

Tasting Note

This wine offers classic Riesling characters of lemon and citrus zest on the nose, followed by floral honeysuckle and jasmine notes and an early nuance of kerosene. The palate is silky with grapefruit and lemon flavours, mineral notes and a pleasing spiciness. Limey acidity contributes to the tight structure and fresh lingering finish.