Ken Gargett
The fruit here is sourced from the Trial Hill Vineyard near Pewsey Vale in the Eden Valley, at the relatively high altitude of around 460 metres. The site, 1.8 hectares, is terraced and contoured, and the vines are around 80 years of age. Fermentation was in stainless steel, after which the wine spent three months on lees. Just 300 dozen made. 2024 is a cracking vintage for the region and this is ridiculously good value. The colour is the very palest lemon hue one could imagine. Opening notes reveal the chalk and minerality supporting the wine, with the limes and sea spray notes overlaid. This is delicate and fragrant, focused and offering good underlying intensity. There is juicy acidity and we see the emergence of hints of mango and grapefruit on the palate. There is unwavering balance and excellent length. A classic and classically beautiful Riesling with fifteen to eighteen years of pleasure ahead. If Alex Head is regularly making Riesling of this sublime quality, it won’t be long before he is mentioned in the same dispatches as some very highly regarded producers. Points: 95/100
