Castelli Estate Riesling 2018

Accolades

95 Points – Winepilot

“A museum release, in this year from one of its two main Riesling sources, their Porongurup vineyard. After a good five and a bit years in the bottle, there’s a lot of life left in this ripping wine, the colour now finding a light touch of gold, the nose displaying a gradually deepening sense of baked lemon and lime with Makrit (Kaffir) leaf, while in the mouth it’s all about heightened citrus flavour and pith with bright acidity reverberating through to an accomplished finish. No need here to consider the mature vintage as a game-changer – there’s still an exciting and youthful energy at its core”

Tasting Notes

• Colour: Very pale straw with a faint gold hue
• Aromatics: Lifted scents of jasmine and acacia blossom, green apple and lime citrus, then soft spice and slatey undertones.
• Palate: Clean and striking – crisp lime, lemon pith and green apple layered with subtle baked citrus, a hint of petrol-like complexity, finishing with fine, chalky minerality and a sustained dry line. 

Viticulture & Winemaking

🔹 Region: Porongurup (Great Southern), Western Australia
🔹 Vintage: 2018 – recognised as a strong year for depth, acidity and structure.
🔹 Varietal: 100% Riesling, from mature vines in cool-climate terrain
🔹 Cellaring: Ready to drink now, yet built to evolve further into 2028–2030+

Sustainability & Vineyard Focus

Castelli Estate has long focussed on cool-climate expression from the Great Southern, using vine-age, site specificity and minimal intervention to achieve wines of elegance and poise. This Riesling release continues that tradition.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Serving Temperature: 10°C – to showcase minerality and aromatics

• Glassware: Use a large white wine glass to allow the subtle perfume to express fully

• Cellaring Potential: Best enjoyed now through to 2030, when tertiary notes will deepen and complexity expand

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

🔹 Oysters or fresh shell-fish with lemon – highlight the wine’s minerality and acidity
🔹 Asian style seafood with ginger, lime & coriander – compliments spice and citrus layers
🔹 Aged cheeses (especially chèvre or mild blue) – contrast the crisp acidity with creaminess
🔹 Light poultry dishes with citrus herb glazes – mirror the citrus and apple notes

FAQ Wine Terms 🧐

❓ What does “museum release” mean?
It generally refers to wines bottled specifically for long-term ageing and collection, often held back from general release and presented in limited format.

❓ Why is the traditional green bottle used?
It’s a nod to classic German Riesling presentation, suggesting the style and ageing intent of the wine.

❓ What makes Porongurup Riesling special?
Porongurup’s cool climate, elevation and soils produce Rieslings with purity, mineral drive, bright acidity and capacity for ageing – traits clearly showcased here.