Sapling Yard Lake George Riesling 2023. Deliciousness with a lake view (and a great story)

There are lots of random choices for places to stop on the drive between Sydney and Canberra (with a short detour). The Big Merino. The Bradman Museum. Bungonia Caves. But what about Lake George? Every time I drive past, I remind myself I should stop and actually explore the endorheic weirdness of this southern NSW icon, but I never pause. And yet there, nestled along the side of the highway, sits the vineyard jewels of Lake George Winery.

Carla from Sapling Yard knows this. Ever since moving into the old, unused winery on the Lake George Winery property, Carla Rodeghiero & Malcolm Burdett have been able to tap into the fruit from this pioneering vineyard (established by the late Dr. Edgar Riek) to deliver some wonderful wines.

Not that Lake George didn’t already have a reputation for greatness. Dr Riek famously planted the first Canberra district vines here back in the early 70s (Riek also started the National Wine Show). And Lerida Estate next door is on a hot streak of wonderful wines (I loved the Syrah).

Carla & Malcolm’s wines Sapling Yard wines keep getting better and more interesting too. Drawing fruit from Carla’s own vineyard at Braidwood, plus grapes from Lake George, Murrumbateman, Tumbarumba, the Hilltops and more, these are wines of intrigue yet with such a small profile.

This Sapling Yard Lake George Riesling 2023 could/should/outta change that. Sourced solely from the White Rocks Block on the Lake George Vineyard, it’s a pristine masterpiece of a cool climate dry Riesling. An aromatic feast of a wine, with the palate depth to match. Think lime, lemon rind, white flowers, grapefruit and a little white pepper, then a crystalline sour lime and lemon palate that feels perfectly preserved and fresh with unquestioned intensity. Piquant. That’s the word I can throw out here.

What I love is that combo of florals and the fragrance and pristine power. It’s also yum. A picture-perfect Riesling of the utmost refreshment. And for it to come from a famous part of Canberran wine history makes it even more delicious.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now. I like it so much it's not worth waiting.
• Score (out of 20): 18.5
• Score (out of 100): 94
• Alcohol %: 11
• RRP (in $AUD): 30
• Winery website: https://www.saplingyard.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: absolutely