Founder Neil McCallum – who retired in 2011 – believes that, in quality terms, Riesling is at least the equal of Pinot Noir in Martinborough. His Craighall Riesling, one of the finest in the country, is a wine of exceptional purity, delicacy and depth, with a proven ability to flourish in the cellar for many years: ‘It’s not smart to drink them at less than five years old,’ says McCallum. The grapes are sourced from a small block (0.8 hectare) of vines, mostly 20 to 25 years old, in the Craighall Vineyard, with yields limited to an average of 6 tonnes per hectare, and the wine is stop-fermented just short of dryness. The 2011 vintage (5*) is quite approachable in its infancy. Weighty, it is highly concentrated, with fresh, pure, well-ripened grapefruit and spice flavours, showing lovely delicacy and depth, in a basically dry (5 grams/litre of residual sugar), but still very harmonious, style.
Details
Type: White Wines
Variety: Riesling
Vintage: 2011
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $45 NZD
Sweetness: MED/DRY
Value for Money: AV
Buyer’s Guide Edition: 2012
This wine is a Super Classic.