Magpie Hill Riesling 2022

Accolades:

• 97 Points & Best WA Riesling, WA Wine Review 2023
  “Duke’s Rieslings are quite remarkable. I don’t think there is a more powerful and intense Riesling made in Western Australia. Over the years, they have continued to excel reflecting both the winemaking and the exceptional site, bringing something special to the wines. The quality of Riesling from the Great Southern is remarkable, and this estate continues to shine.”
• 95+ Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
  “This 2022 Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling is the first under new ownership, and it leads with a distinctly different nose than usual. It’s challenging to pin down, but here goes: in place of the pristine white flowers and talc that is expected, there is swirling ash/embers, straw/hay, bison grass and graphite/bitumen and a pronounced petrichor/ozone character leading the charge. It’s salty, mineral, and austere, with a sleek and streamlined profile that is very different from previous vintages.”
• 95 Points, The Real Review
  “Smoky struck-flint reduction at first sniff, then a suite of fruit aromas gradually unfolds: floral, mineral, green apple, and lemon to the fore. The wine is tightly wound and very restrained, delicate and tense, needing time to emerge fully. Lively acidity is neatly integrated into the wine, which shows great potential for aging. A long-term wine for sure, one that will richly reward even a few years of cellaring.”

Tasting Notes:

The Magpie Hill Riesling 2022 presents a very pale straw colour with flinty green hues, inviting you into a world of delicate aromas. The nose is an expressive blend of lime zest, Meyer lemon, lemon sherbet, with subtle notes of cucumber and green melon, underscored by a mineral-driven struck flint character.

On the palate, the wine bursts with vibrant lime, lemon, and hints of white citrus blossom, with a gentle texture provided by the soft, powdery acidity. The finish is long and mineral, reflecting the wine’s elegant structure and laser-focused precision. The wine is tightly coiled, yet slowly unfurling, making it an excellent candidate for ageing, where it will continue to evolve and gain complexity over the years.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Seafood: Pairs beautifully with fresh oysters, grilled prawns, or a delicate seafood pasta, where the wine’s acidity complements the freshness of the seafood.
• Citrus Dishes: Enjoy with dishes featuring citrus-based sauces, such as grilled chicken with lemon or a fresh citrus salad.
• Asian Cuisine: Its vibrant acidity and mineral finish make it an ideal match for spicy Asian dishes, such as Thai curry or Szechuan-style prawns.
• Cheese: Complements fresh, soft cheeses like goat cheese or a tangy feta, enhancing the wine’s crisp and refreshing profile.

Best Serving Temp:

Serve the Magpie Hill Riesling 2022 well-chilled at 8°C to 10°C to fully appreciate its vibrant fruit and mineral character.

• If storing in the fridge (5°C): Remove the bottle about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to warm slightly to the perfect temperature.

Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: 100% Riesling
• Region: Great Southern, Western Australia
• Sub-region: Porongurup
• Alcohol: 12.1% by Vol | 7.2 Standard Drinks
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2022
• Volume: 750ml
• RRP: $35

Technical Terms Explained:

• Lees Aging: A winemaking technique where the wine is aged on its lees (the spent yeast cells) to impart additional complexity, texture, and richness to the flavour profile.
• Cool Fermentation: The wine is fermented at lower temperatures to preserve its fresh, aromatic qualities, which is especially important for aromatic white wines like Riesling.
• Acidity: A key component of the wine’s structure, acidity helps to balance the wine’s sweetness and enhances its ability to age over time, giving it freshness and crispness.