2010 Polish Hill Clare Valley Riesling

I know I tasted this and its stablemate quite recently but it’s interesting to see them again. This is definitely more concentrated than the Springvale and yet is less austere than previous vintages. (JR)

Notably more obvious acidity, more body and, oddly, more vinosity than the Springvale 2010 bottling. Less austere than recent bottlings.  A wine in waiting. Seems a little heavier than some recent bottlings – something to get your teeth into? Admirably long and still tightly wound.    (JR)

The 2010 Polish Hill Riesling is youthfully subdued giving moderately intense aromas of lime juice, orange blossom and fresh herbs with a suggestion of wet slate. Dry, medium-bodied, the palate has amazing tension with very crisp acid cutting through the vibrant citrus and mineral-laced flavors. It finishes long and steely. Leave this one in the cellar for a good 3-4 years and drink it to 2024+. More and more stellar Australian Rieslings are emerging from disparate cool climate areas such as Frankland, Canberra District and Tasmania. But it’s South Australia that has more of a history and reputation for great Riesling as is still witnessed by older bottles still in circulation of Pewsey Vale in Eden Valley and many of John Vickery’s masterpieces crafted at Leo Buring from the 1960s until his retirement in 2009. Today it is Jeffrey Grosset (a protege of Vickery) and his single vineyard offerings from the higher altitudes of Clare Valley that have been setting the benchmark and setting a very high one at that. Grosset’s Polish Hill and Springvale are two of the world’s finest dry Rieslings and should be considered must-haves for the cellars of lovers of this style. Importer: John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection; www.tapwc.com.au