Clonakilla Riesling 2014

Clonakilla Riesling 2014 (Canberra district)
12.5%, Screwcap, $28 cellar door $35 retail

The Riesling has been amongst my favourite Clonakilla wines, with its clever combination of flesh and acidity making for an utterly drinkable style. This 2014 is probably the most approachable of the last few vintages too.

Green straw in colour, this has a ‘just ripe;, acid drawn, grapefruit and licorice nose that is still ultra tight. So tight that it could well do with a decent decant (crazy talk). Some nice lemongrass notes in there popping up with a decent swirl, suggesting plenty to come. After that nose the palate is surprisingly gentle and soft on the palate (no added acid here) with soft limey juiciness and a little custard apple richness (some residual sugar by the looks too).

Quite textural for a Canberran Riesling, the acid soft, the palate gentle and rounded, without losing the acid tang to finish, this is ultimately a delicious, utterly smashable wine. Perhaps a little simple for big points, but scores high on the drinkability scale. I’d drink it sooner rather than much later.

Source: Tasting
Tasted: August 2014
Drink: 2014-2019
Score: 17.7/20, 92/100
Would I buy it? Yes. I’d smash a well chilled bottle of this with a bowl of Pad See Ew in a heartbeat.
Buy online: Clonakilla website