Ridiculously long Riesling from Tim Smith

March 31, 2015

Tim Smith Eden Valley Riesling 2014

I’m often puzzled why people hate on Clare and Eden Valley Riesling. In the scheme of things they are amongst the best dry Riesling in the world. Period. Seriously cheap in world terms too.

This wine is a prime example. Sourced from vines that date back to 1922, it comes in the new contoured Eden Valley bottle (which I’m still not convinced actually does much. Might take some time).

Critically, this has an intensity that has to be tasted. It just goes on and on and on. And on. There’s that classic, condensed yet unmistakeable lime cordial and slate nose that is pure Eden Rizza. Indeed everything about this is classic Eden Valley Riesling. Super chalky, dry limey fruit with brisk acidity and a long, slightly bitter and intense palate.

You put this down and minutes later you can still taste it. Harcore acidity too. On sour lime length it is gold medal quality alone. It’s perhaps not even that easy a drink but gee it’s a remarkably long wine. Bloody cheap for the intensity.

Details: 12%, Screwcap, $25
Tasted: March 2015 (sample)
Best drinking: 2015-2030+
Score: 18.5/20, 94/100
Would I buy it? I’d be tempted.
Buy online: World Wine, Tim Smith

2014, Eden Valley, Riesling, Top Wine, Wine

Andrew Graham was once voted the 23rd most trusted wine critic on the planet. A WCA Journalism Young Gun now old hack with 25yrs as a buyer, judge, journalist, marketer and too much more.

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4 responses to “Ridiculously long Riesling from Tim Smith”

Red

April 2, 2015 at 11:53 pm

Sounds right up my alley. Will have to grab a few bottles.

Who is hating on Eden and Clare Riesling? Obviously it's not going to be everyone's favourite style of wine, but they are, as you say, undeniably world class.

Reply
1. ozwinereview
  
  April 3, 2015 at 8:17 am
  
  I overheard a pack of sommeliers at a recent Riesling tasting talking about how they thought Clare/Eden Riesling was way too dry to be nice. Seemed an odd notion, but noticed a few more wines with higher RS lately too, so not an isolated thought. Odd though.
  
  Reply
Red

April 4, 2015 at 1:05 am

Sounds like the kind of fickle, trendy nonsense you would hear some sommeliers say (not all obviously). Give it 5-10 years and the same people will be saying the exact opposite.

Reply
1. ozwinereview
  
  April 4, 2015 at 4:27 am
  
  Pretty much. Of course that means said somms are now telling their customers that too….
  
  Reply