Silkwood Walcott Riesling 2022

Accolades

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