The Reserve Eden Valley Riesling 2021

After three tough dry years, 2021 was a cooler, milder vintage with more rain during the growing season than previous ones which resulted in lively wines with a great backbone of acidity. In 2021, a small parcel from the Mason Woodcarvers vineyard (630m above sea level) stood out for its unique character and potential for ageing and was kept separate from the main Eden Valley blend. The vineyard has east-west facing rows on a southerly slope which minimize sun exposure,. Mason take an organic approach with free roaming cattle in the vineyard during winter and undervine mowers used for cover-crop management, eliminating any use for sprays.

The grapes were harvested and immediately taken for pressing to avoid extended skin contact and over extraction of phenolics. Made using the classic methods of the great John Vickery, light pressings material was included to develop structure and longevity but finessed to avoid excessive extraction or bitterness. The wine has been maturing in our temperature controlled cellar until its release on John Vickery’s birthday.