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Meadowbank’s Riesling vines are spread across three sites planted in 1974, 2005 and 2015. The block planted in 1974 predates the establishment of Meadowbank, and the clone is unknown. The 2005 block, which accounts for 65% of the blend, is planted to Geisenheim 198, a clone susceptible to botrytis—something winemaker Peter Dredge lets run in most years (provided conditions are dry). You learn something new every day! He advocates for the botrytis influence to add intensity and weight to his Riesling and points to the practice used widely in Germany—he’s in a cool climate, using a German clone: what’s good for the goose…
All blocks were handpicked. The fruit from the 2005 block fermented in stainless steel and was handled oxidatively, with a touch of residual sugar remaining and some integration of clean botrytis. The fruit from the other plantings was fermented in old oak barriques to round out the texture. Both parcels were matured on their lees before blending and bottling without fining.
Pete told us last year that the 2022 Riesling was the best he’d made at Meadowbank. He may already have surpassed it. The 2023’s recent inclusion in Halliday’s Top 100, clocking in at a cool 98 points, is likely just the beginning of the acclaim this wine will receive. It’s a case of grab-some-while-you-can. Ravishing indeed!