Grosset 2026 Springvale Riesling

 

Jeffrey Grosset's Polish Hill Riesling is widely regarded as Australia's benchmark for the style and the new 2026 release ($85) is outstanding. If you are on a restricted budget, however, the 2026 Springvale, made from Watervale fruit, is very close to being its equal this Clare Valley vintage. It also offers biodynamic excellence, classic pithy citrus notes, impressive minerality and immediate appeal. It's aromatic, intense, structured and bloody delicious when paired with seafood dishes, or Asian flavours. Just lovely. It's unfined, Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly and is released this week. Be quick. $58. https://www.grosset.com.au/

Mount Horrocks 2024 Nero d'Avola

Nero d'Avola is a Sicilian grape that is very much at home in Australian conditions. Stephanie Toole planted the variety at Mount Horrocks in the Clare Valley almost 20 years ago - well ahead of the curve - and this new release is bundle of juicy fruit flavours with a savoury edge. Mostly older oak is used to elevate the fruit-forward style. This single-vineyard wine is certified organic and biodynamic, and Toole is obsessive about quality. She says this is "equally compelling now or later". I'd pair with pasta and a hearty ragu, or a beef casserole with herbed dumplings. Excellent quality, $45. https://www.mounthorrocks.com/

Taylors 2023 St Andrews Chardonnay

 

The Clare Valley is not where I would immediately look for classy chardonnay, but this one is a very pleasant surprise; delivering a lot of immediate drinking pleasure. It is a very elegant and appealing chardonnay from the upper echelons of the Taylor family's multiple ranges. This is a smooth and sophisticated drop with lots of length and stylish varietal character. Think restrained stone fruit flavours, nutty hints and well-integrated French oak that aids rather than dominating. Along with hints of shortbread and flinty minerality, this is a complete package. Match with roast chicken or a leafy goat cheese salad. $45. https://www.taylorswines.com.au/ 

Standard price

Vickery 2024 Polish Hill River Riesling

 

This is the debut release of the Vickery Polish Hill Riesling from the Clare Valley - and it is a delightfully poised and pure wine. The Vickery range honours the late John Vickery, the "old master" of the grape variety in Australia, who had illustrious career spanning nearly 60 years. Talented Keeda Zilm has made Watervale and Eden Valley rieslings under the Vickery label - using his methods - with Polish Hill now added, utilising fruit from the Paulett family's Trillians Run vineyard. This is very bright and dry, suave and stylish, with perky acid on the finish. Pair with seafood dishes, or Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. We enjoyed with seared tuna. $28. www.vickerywines.com.au

Grosset 2025 Polish Hill Riesling

 

Get your orders in now. The 2025 vintage of Grosset Polish Hill Riesling maintains its place as Australia's best - and much sought-after - dry riesling. It will be released on September 1 and will probably be sold out soon after. Jeffrey Grosset reports that "pristine fruit culminated in exceptional wines" and I certainly fell in love with the precision and panache of this flagship Clare Valley riesling from a year that Grosset says shows the full benefits of biodynamics in the vineyard. You'll find the classic acid-driven lemon, lime, grapefruit notes, but also some impressive vitality and texture. Pair this will the best fresh crayfish, scallops or prawns you can find and serve simply, so both wine and food shine. Delightfully delicious. 97/100. $85. www.grosset.com.au.