Crawford River "Noble Dry" Riesling 2022

Crawford has done it again with another stellar Riesling release. This is a wine, made in tiny volumes, has only been produced just twice in their history. As always, Belinda Thomson is highly respectful of each year's conditions and works to make wines in response to the season.

As some may remember, Noble Dry was born in 2011, when we left a section of a single block for one week following a downpour and subsequent warmth toward the end of the season. The result was a high percentage of early onset Botrytis, which results in colour and flavour change to the berry, without the active, grey mould or shrivel encountered when the fruit is hung for a longer period. In 2022 the conditions were not exactly the same however this wine is made with early onset Botrytis from the same area of the same block. As with any seasonal variation, the wine is a slightly different version, with this wine being a little off-dry. Delicate spice, vanilla, jasmine, and roasted apricot jump out of the glass here. Edges of stone fruit appear throughout the palate, which is laced with ginger spice, mineral undertones, and a chalky definition. The texture counterbalances the hint of fruit sweetness, and the integrated acidity creates a wonderfully persistence finish. Balanced and drinking beautifully now.

Country: Australia
Producer: Crawford River Wines
Region: Henty