Reviews:

Ray Jordan – 93 Points

The little extra time in bottle really has this Pemberton riesling humming. Starting to merge the original lemony citrus florals with new and emerging notes of light toast. There’s delightful floral minerality adding to the complexity with a fine lingering finish. I think I would prefer to drink this while the primary fruit characters are just seeing the first hint of development.

Wine Companion – 92 Points

From a dry-grown single vineyard. A tasty number driven by acidity and steely in its nature. Zingy lime juice, a big squeeze of grapefruit juice and some light, talc-like mineral characters all bound in a laser-like thrust across the palate. Perfume is a little mute but more of the citrus stuff going on. Refreshing as. A good drinking experience.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright straw with a hint of green hue.

Aromatics: Fragrant floral notes of citrus blossom and zest.

Palate: Lively lime zest and citrus flavours, crisp acidity, and a refined mineral finish.

Winemaker’s Note

“The 2022 vintage was a testament to careful vineyard management. While the season posed challenges with high rainfall at harvest, our approach ensured optimal ripeness and balance. The time on lees has added a lovely textural depth, allowing the natural acidity and citrus vibrancy to shine. This Riesling will continue to develop beautifully over the years, gaining layers of complexity and elegance.”

Sustainability & Natural Practices

At Silkwood Estate, we take a minimal intervention approach to winemaking, allowing the fruit to express the unique characteristics of the Pemberton terroir. Our careful vineyard management and sustainable practices ensure that each bottle reflects purity, balance, and respect for the environment.

Additional Storage & Serving Tips

Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed at 6–8°C to highlight its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit.

Storage: Store in a cool, dark place with consistent humidity to preserve its ageing potential.

Before Serving: If stored in the fridge at 5°C, remove the bottle and allow it to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.

FAQ

Q: What does ‘time on lees’ mean? A: Lees are the spent yeast cells that remain after fermentation. Allowing the wine to rest on lees for four months adds texture, richness, and complexity, creating a more layered and rounded mouthfeel.

Q: Why is this Riesling considered age-worthy? A: Riesling’s natural acidity acts as a preservative, allowing the wine to develop over time. Over 5-8 years, it will gain more honeyed, toasty notes while retaining its refreshing citrus core.

Q: What does ‘mineral finish’ mean? A: This refers to a subtle, clean, and slightly stony or saline taste that lingers on the palate, adding depth and structure to the wine.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Fresh Oysters – The crisp acidity and citrus notes enhance the briny freshness.
• Spicy Asian Cuisine – Complements aromatic spices without overpowering them.
• Goat’s Cheese & Herb Salad – A perfect match for the wine’s zesty profile.

Technical Details

Grape Variety: Riesling 100%

Region: Pemberton, Western Australia

Alcohol: 12.5% by volume

Lees Ageing: 4 months

Ageing Potential: 5-8 years

Closure: Screw cap

Learn About Silkwood

Silkwood Wines is located in the Pemberton Wine Region and was established in 1998, chosen for its exceptional location in the heart of Pemberton, a region celebrated for its unique growing conditions. The temperate climate, gently undulating landscape, and rich gravelly loam soils, which overlay a clay base, were instrumental in the selection process. These factors mirror the qualities that Professor Gladstone noted as ideal for viticulture, ensuring the site’s potential for producing exceptional wines.

The vineyard is situated amidst the majestic Karri and Jarrah forests, which are iconic to Pemberton. This stunning environment not only provides a breathtaking backdrop but also influences the character of our wines, adding a distinct regional flair that sets Silkwood Estate apart. The interplay between the natural beauty and the terroir of Pemberton creates an ideal setting for growing premium grapes.

In 2006, the Bowman family took over Silkwood Winery, bringing with them a philosophy centred on producing quality wines while also cultivating an enjoyable environment for wine enthusiasts. Since then, our focus has been on maintaining the highest standards in winemaking and creating an inviting atmosphere where visitors can appreciate both our wines and the surrounding beauty.

Although we are a small team, our passion for winemaking is immense. We take great pride in the widespread acclaim and numerous awards our wines have garnered over the years. As a boutique winery, we remain committed to producing exceptional quality wines and providing a memorable experience for our clients. We cherish the opportunity to showcase the exquisite part of the world that is Pemberton and invite you to explore the unique character of our wines, crafted with dedication and respect for this remarkable region.

Read the latest wine reviews from Silkwood Estate HERE