Most Recent Tastings
Grosset 2023 Vintage Rieslings
Barry Weinman: 27th September 2023
The tasting panel was uniformly stunned by the breathtaking beauty of the 2023 Grosset rieslings. They are as close to perfection as I could possibly imagine.
Vickery: A Masterclass in South Australian Riesling
Barry Weinman: 26th March 2023
For this article, I thought I would give ChatGPT a go for the introduction. Yes, it was interesting, but to me at least, it came across as somewhere between an advertisement and a eulogy.
I have included it at the bottom of the page for interest’s sake, but the rest is very much in the style of Barry Weinman, as written by Barry Weinman.
Grosset 2022 Rieslings Reviews
Wine Reviews by Barry Weinman: 20th October 2022
On the world stage, and here in Australia, riesling is one of the great bargains. At a time when top-end local chardonnays are selling for $130 – $200 a bottle, the very best rieslings in the country are selling for less than half this amount. (Read More)
Grosset 2021 Rieslings
1st September 2021
If, like me, you are a fan of Riesling, then the wines of Grosset need no introduction. After all, they have been lauded by both consumers and critics for more than two decades…
Riesling: Southern Exposure
15th August 2020
At the end of a 25-wine tasting of very high-quality Riesling, I found myself reflecting on just how much I enjoyed the tasting. This was due to a number of factors. To start with, there was the purity of fruit, approachability of the wines and sheer quality of winemaking on show…
Riesling: No Longer The Bridesmaid?
Barry Weinman: 5th October 2019
Riesling has been the perennial bridesmaid of the Australian wine scene. Capable of breathtaking beauty, but routinely overlooked in favour of more overt wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and complex, approachable Chardonnay.
Howard Park Rieslings: 2018 Vintage
Barry Weinman: 25th April 2019
The Porongurups in the Great Southern region of Western Australia must surely produce the best Rieslings in Western Australia, showing great purity of fruit and outstanding balance. Whilst they lack the long history of the great Clare Valley Rieslings (such as Grosset and Leo Buring), they are challenging the quality. The other region to also star with Riesling in the last few years is Tasmania, but precious few of those make it to WA.
New Release Riesling: October 2017
4th October 2017
Great Riesling can come in many different forms. From bone-dry, steely wine, to off-dry examples right through to the spectacular, intensely sweet (and very expensive) wines from Germany.
Riesling – October New Release
17th October 2016
When it comes to Australian Riesling, Grosset sits at the top of the pyramid in terms of reputation, quality and price, with the Polish Hill now sitting around $50 per bottle.
10th October 2015
I can’t count the number of times that I have heard someone say “I don’t like sweet wines” when given the option of a glass of Riesling, only to happily slurp down a Sauvignon Blanc with significant amounts of residual sugar.
Riesling – New Release
9th October 2015
Riesling must surely be Australia’s best value grape variety. Refreshing in its youth, yet capable of developing wonderful complexity and richness with age
Xabregas Riesling – 2014
15th June 2015
After flying below the radar for a number of years, Xabregas really made an impression with their 2010 Rieslings. This was followed up by the spectacular 2011s. These wines became my benchmark for Great Southern Riesling at the time.
Salomon Wines – April 2015
20/04/2015
A few weeks back, Burt Salomon was in town to showcase his range of wines. What makes Salomon unusual though, is the fact that he makes wines on both sides of the equator. Having established a passion for making wines in the new world, Burt took over the reins at his family’s wine business in Austria a few years back.
Riesling Master Class – December 2014
Reviewed: 10th December 2014
When it comes to great Australian Rieslings, the Clare Valley and Eden Valley regions of South Australia are the spiritual homes. Grossett’s Polish Hill Riesling is considered one of Australia’s great wines and there have been many great wines have been released under the Leo Buring label.
Howard Park Riesling – June 2014
Reviewed: June 30, 2014
When it comes to Riesling, the Great Southern region of Western Australian deserves the same quality reputation as the Clare Valley in South Australia. Like Clare, there are several subdistricts within the region that are capable of displaying subtle stylistic differences. If Frankland River (like Watervale) is the engine room, then the Porongorup district is the Polish Hill of the region.
Riesling – New Release
Reviewed: 10th September 2013
Riesling – New Release
Reviewed: 4 February 2013
Riesling is a fascinating grape as it can take on many different personalities depending on where it is grown and how it is handled in the winery. Bone dry, off dry, medium or sweet, the choice is yours. As long as there is appropriate acidity to balance the sweetness, the result can be thrilling.
This tasting had a variety of styles. Do not be afraid to try the wines that are off-dry. Done well, this style can offer immense drinking pleasure.
Reviewed
- Howard Park – Riesling – Porongurup – 2012 (18+).
- Galafrey – Riesling – Dry Land – 2012 (18).
- Howard Park – Riesling – Great Southern – 2012 (18).
- West Cape Howe – Riesling – Mount Barker – 2012 (17.8).
- Bellarmine – Riesling – Dry – 2012 (17.5 – 18).
- Singlefile – Riesling – Porongurup – 2012 (17.5).
- Leo Buring – Riesling – Clare Valley – 2012 (17.5).