It was a pleasure tasting these rieslings. Most are delicious (some are even better the next day) and several are excellent value.
Often they have an initial sweetness that transforms seamlessly into a crisp, dry finish and leaves you feeling refreshed.
Many are for sale online rather than in supermarkets or wine shops.
Waimea Classic Nelson Riesling 2009
(about $19)
Intriguing aromas hint of lime and mineral, initially rich and sweet with suggestions of ripe tropical fruit morphing to a bright, crisp, steely acidity on the finish. The balance between sweetness and acidity makes it great with a ripe blue cheese.
- 4/5 stars
- Great value
(about $20)
Floral aromas, hints of lime, initial sweet fruit supported by an underlying flinty backbone and a crisp but easy finish.
- 3/5 stars
- Good value
(about $20)
Oozing hints of nectarine, mango and citrus flowers with undertones of marmalade and the suggestion of petrol characteristic of many maturing rieslings. With a crisp, lingering finish, this wine is drinking deliciously at three years old.
- 4/5 stars
- Great Value
(about $23)
Fragrant with orange and lime blossom, ripe stone and zingy citrus fruit, rich and textural in the mouth and yet with a well-balanced, crisp dry finish.
- 4/5 stars
- Great value
(about $23)
Floral aromas, lime and a hint of schist, yet opulent in the mouth but with a well-balanced, taut, crisp dry finish. At three years it is developing deliciously.
- 4/5 stars
- Great value
(about $29)
Wonderful, unmistakable botrytis aromas of dried apricots and honey, follow on to the intense palate, but there is no suggestion of cloying in this luscious, lively sweet wine.
- 4/5 stars
- Good value
~ ANOTHER GLASS ~
Muddy Water Waipara Dry Riesling 2009
(about $29)
A hint of buttered toast with lime and ginger marmalade, this has intense flavours, lovely ripe fruit supported by a backbone of mineral, a steely, crisp, dry finish.
- 4/5 stars
- Average value
Waimea Nelson Gruner Veltliner 2010
(about $24)
An interesting new variety (to New Zealanders), gruner veltliner is originally from Austria.
This dry white has generous weight and mouthfeel with flavours that hint of nectarine and bayleaf, and a dry finish. A versatile food wine.
- 3/5 stars
- Average value
Te Mania Nelson Riesling 2010
(about $19)
Initial sweetness with bright lime and citrus hints, intense in the mouth, with a crisp, dry finish.
- 3/5 stars
- Average value
Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Riesling 2010
(about $24)
Fragrant with hints of lime and lemon, taut in the mouth with a minerally, searing, steely dry finish. For those who like a really dry, linear riesling.
- 3/5 stars
- Below average value
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.
