Craggy Range ‘Fletcher Family Vineyard’ Riesling 2004
Marlborough

This is a wonderful example of what Marlborough can do with Riesling and if I could have my way I would rip out 90% of the Sauvignon Blanc (Dog Point’s Section 94 can stay) and Pinot Noir in the region and plant this most nobly Germanic grape. It is a silky, rich, not quite bone-dry Riesling that can definitely hold its own against similar (and much more expensive) Australian and Alsatian examples of this style. It has a wonderfully fresh, acidic lemon-lime, granny smith nose and palate with a strong mineral undercurrent that has become very noticeable and extremely pleasant with a bit of bottle age. It has amazing length and ends with a subtle, green nasturtium note. Apparently there is a hint of botrytis in the mix and while this was noticeable about a year ago (the last time I tried the wine) it has faded away. This wine is a bit of a baby and would last another eight years or so but it is perfect for drinking now.

Craggy Range do magnificent things with grapes, I just wish they (like most other top end Kiwi wineries) would go a little easy with oak in their Chardonnay.

Oh, talking about oak and such, READ this Basic Juice post - it might just change your life.

(And if you can find a Craggy Range Raupara Riesling snap it up no matter what the price)