Riesling 2024

Bannockburn Riesling is made predominantly from an acre of vines at Olive Tree Hill planted in 1976 on own roots, which sits at the top of the north facing slope. Included in the blend is a small vineyard planted in 2015 as an extension of the Winery Block.

Handpicked fruit was whole bunch pressed, settled over night, and racked to tank for temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel. After fermentation the wine was racked to stainless steel for a 3-month maturation on lees prior to bottling.

This 2024 Riesling offers a focused aroma of citrus, musk, lemongrass and white flowers. On the palate the saline quality comes into play, with crisp white pepper and chalky talc characters. Flavours of cucumber in tonic water, slate and stone are also present. A refreshing and mouthwatering wine with lovely tension and drive which will continue evolve with time in bottle.

96 points. Made mainly from 0.4ha of vines planted in 1976. A pure and quite lovely nose featuring scents of Meyer lemon, makrut lime leaves and floral notes. The palate is linear, chalky and long with the fruit and acidity in perfect harmony. I'm thinking san choy bow would be a great match. I'm guessing it'll age superbly, too. Philip Rich, winecompanion.com.au.

94 points. Lifted, fresh and floral notes of lemon sherbet, orange blossoms and candied lime zest. The palate is light-bodied with piercing acidity and a generous mouthfeel that will open up in time, giving notes of flint, crushed river stones and grapefruit. Very tightly bound. Drink or hold. Screw cap. Ryan Montgomery, jamessuckling.com.

93+ points. As far as I know this doesn’t see oak but it still feels noticeably textural. It’s cut with citrussy flavours but the main characters here are steel and tonic. It’s dry, almost gravelly, almost stony, with a herbs-dipped-in-woodsmoke-and-brine side. This too would be fabulous to dine with. Campbell Mattinson, winefront.com.au.