Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Eden Valley Riesling 2016

Once upon a time – probably 12 years ago now – all I would drink is young Riesling. Back then I would drink Grosset Watervale and Pewsey Vale Riesling like it was water. The glory of super young Clare & Eden Valley Riesling still resonates with me now, even if my drinking diet has changed much since then.

This Frost Dodger Riesling reminds again why I like the style so much. Sourced from two ‘frost-pocketed’ vineyards dating back to the 1930s at Mt Mckenzie and Craneford in the Eden Valley, it is every bit the classic style. Water green, the nose driven by lemongrass aromatics, alongside limey citrus heading in the grapefruit direction. There’s even a green melon character too. Full and expressive palate is like an explosion of grapefruit and lime, the acid surprisingly soft (clearly completely natural) and finishes long but gently.

This is very good. From the first whiff you know exactly what you’re getting and the unwavering palate intensity just continues the message. I could drink oodles of this, even though it’s not exactly complex or anything like that. It’s just deliciously intense, concentrated Aussie Riesling at a glorious price. Best drinking: 2016-2017 or wait until 2021+. 18/20, 93/100. 12.5%, $25. Would I buy it? Would I ever!