Grosset `Polish Hill` Clare Valley Riesling

Jeffrey Grosset’s love of Riesling began at 15 when his father came home with a bottle to share with the family. This bottle was enough to inspire a young Jeffrey to enrol in the local agricultural college and complete qualifications in both Agriculture and Oenology by the age of 21. After honing his craft in Australia and Germany, he bought an old milk depot in the Clare Valley town of Auburn, founding his eponymous winery in 1981. Since then, through great skill and exceptional vineyard management, this old milk depot has been transformed into one of Australia’s finest wineries.

The eight hectare Polish Hill vineyard (ACO certified organic) is planted at 460 metres altitude in the coolest part of the Clare Valley. The low fertility soils of this hard rock site are composed of silt and shallow shales over a thin crust of clay and gravel. The vines have to work harder than those at Springvale, which is located five kilometres away, and so produce small, thick-skinned berries with bunches weighing just 100 grams.

The 2021 vintage was challenging yet rewarding. Rainfall and humidity were major challenges throughout the growing season. However, the persistent humidity was met with rigorous management in the vineyard to keep the canopies open and free of disease. The season finished with excellent temperatures and sunlight to sustain the natural acidity and flavour developing in the grapes.

This Chardonnay is bright gold in colour, with a trademark mineral note on the nose and hints of integrated French oak. A fine but firm palate with great acidity, texture and length.

£47.00 Inc. VAT 75cl