Takahiro K Tussock Terrace Riesling 2023

Accolades:
96/100 – Stephen Wong MW
93/100 – Cameron Douglas MS

“Pale white-gold. Initially reticent, with air it blossoms into a soaring bouquet with delicate layers of floral, sweet spiced citrus, flint and pith. The palate is ripe with bright, intense citrus and stone-fruit flavours, fantastic power and depth, savoury hints of bacon fat, pastry and vanilla on the long, long finish. A very successful example in the Germanic model: an impressive wine with a density and ageability that seems like etched marble. Expect it to develop gracefully for a long time. Drink 2025 to 2042.” – Stephen Wong MW

“A classic bouquet of fresh citrus and mineral soil attributes, very floral with an exotic edge pushed along by a leesy quality. As the wnie opens out on the nose the aromas of apple and citrus zest expand. Dry to just dry on the palate with silky texture, high acidity and contrasting core white fleshed and citrus fruit flavours, the lees quality adds complexity and mouthfeel. A lovely wine, perfect as an aperitif with best drinking from 2023 through 2029+.” – Cameron Douglas MS

Winemaking Notes: Waxy honeydew and citrus on the nose, with light florals and a slightly autolytic/bready quality. Impeccably balanced on the palate, showing Takahiro Koyama’s influence from his time working in the Mosel in Germany, with a precisely-judged acid line cutting through the white-fleshed fruit character. A delicate, subtly off-dry expression with length and depth. Good drinking now, and will cellar well for 5 years. From vines planted in 2004 on gravelley and sandy soil. After being carefully hand harvested from a Gravel Soil vineyard in Waipara Valley, grapes were gently pressed and slowly fermented at low temperature to preserve the sweet, distinctive, precious aroma of Riesling.

Alcohol: 12.5%

Variety: Riesling

Region: Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, New Zealand