Riesling - 2009 Waterton Riesling

Rowella, Tamar Valley, Tasmania -

Waterton is a small Tasmanian vineyard located at Rowella (just north of the Batman Bridge in the Tamar Valley) owned by Jennifer Baird and Peter Cameron. Julian Alcorso of Winemaking Tasmania applies his special riesling making magic to the wine.

The Tamar region produces excellent riesling, and the Rowella micro-sub-region does it particularly well. In this vintage there's the liveliness of citrus, beautiful floral aromatics and outstanding mouth-feel yet with crispness. The wine is dry.

We're not the only ones to have noticed Waterton Riesling. At only two vintages old Halliday rated the vineyard at 5 stars and awarded the 2006 Waterton Riesling 5 glasses – making its way into the ‘Best of the best’ lists in the 2009 Companion.

Vintage 2008 accumulated a swag of Gold medals and was our top-selling riesling.

And now the 2009 has been released a few months after receiving the Top Gold in the 2009 class at the 2011 Tasmanian Wine Show, judged by Huon Hooke and James Halliday.

'It is arguable that Western Australia's Great Southern region, and its five subregions of Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup, provides the greatest competition to Clare and Eden Valleys. But Tasmania is a doughty competitor. This (2009 Waterton Vineyards Riesling) is well composed and balanced; it has smooth lime/citrus flavours of very good length and balance; a complete wine that has improved out of all recognition in the past 12 months. Top Gold Tasmanian Wine Show 2011. 11%alc; screwcap Rating:96 points, Drink to 2019' James Halliday, Weekend Australian Magazine May 14 - 15, 2011

Four Trophies: Canberra International Riesling Challenge, October 2011