Crawford River Riesling 2024

Product Description:

The Crawford River Riesling 2024 is a pristine expression of the winery's commitment to producing high-quality wines from the heart of Victoria’s Great Western region. Made from hand-picked grapes sourced from the estate’s oldest Riesling blocks, this wine embodies elegance, purity, and precision. The 2024 vintage, following a highly favourable growing season, showcases the characteristics that have become synonymous with Crawford River Riesling—delicate poise, a vibrant mineral backbone, and an alluring, crisp finish. The wine opens with delicate floral aromas, while the palate offers a wonderful balance of fresh citrus, green apple, and subtle honeyed nuances, underpinned by a refreshing acidity. With its potential for aging, this wine will continue to evolve and develop complexity over the next 5-12 years.

Maker:

Crawford River Wines is a family-owned winery located in the cool, temperate climate of Great Western, Victoria. Founded in 1975 by John and Catherine Thomson, the winery has been dedicated to producing exceptional wines that express the unique terroir of the region. Today, Crawford River is under the stewardship of their daughter Belinda Thomson, a talented winemaker and viticulturist who has worked both internationally and with her family since 2005. The winery focuses on sustainable practices and organic viticulture, with all wines crafted from the estate’s meticulously managed vineyard. Crawford River Wines has earned a reputation for producing some of Australia’s finest Riesling, known for its balance, complexity, and aging potential.

Vineyard:

Crawford River Wines’ vineyard is located in the heart of the Great Western region of Victoria, an area known for its cool, temperate climate and long, even growing season. The estate is comprised of meticulously maintained blocks, with the oldest Riesling vines dating back to 1975. These vines are planted on a combination of gravelly loam and ironstone-rich soils, which contribute to the wine's distinctive minerality and precision.

The vineyard is managed with great care and attention to detail, with all activities, including pruning, canopy management, and harvesting, done by hand. The cool climate, combined with the vineyard’s unique terroir, allows for slow and even ripening, which preserves the fresh acidity and purity of the fruit. The Riesling blocks are particularly prized for their ability to produce wines of exceptional quality, with bright fruit, balanced acidity, and remarkable aging potential.

Sustainability is a key focus at Crawford River, and the vineyard operates without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or fungicides. The use of organic compost and mulching helps maintain soil health and biodiversity, ensuring the vineyard remains fertile for future generations. Crawford River’s commitment to working in harmony with nature results in wines that express the true character of the land and the seasons in which they are grown.

Tasting Notes:

Nose:
Delicate, Floral, Crisp
A fragrant nose of white florals, with hints of citrus blossom and green apple. Subtle undertones of honey and minerals add complexity to the bouquet, creating an inviting and balanced aromatic profile.

Palate:
Crisp, Elegant, Balanced
A perfect balance of citrus zest, green apple, and lime. The wine's fine acidity brings out a wonderful clarity and precision, while the subtle honeyed nuances offer a touch of richness, making the wine both delicate and layered.

Finish:
Long, Mineral, Refreshing
A crisp mineral edge that leaves the palate clean and invigorated. The bright acidity and delicate fruit flavours linger, showcasing the wine's structure and the quality of its craftsmanship.

Reviews + Accolades

Very light straw colour in the glass; the bouquet is fresh but reserved at first, with subtle aromas of fresh pastry, lime and florals, building intensity with extended time in the glass. The palate is wonderfully intense and refined, delicate but penetrating and focused, with a lovely undertone of ripe fruit sweetness. Fruit flavour is perfectly balanced by the acidity and the persistence is very long. A concentrated, crystalline riesling which drinks well now but has much more in store for those who patiently cellar it. - Huon Hooke, The Real Review - 97 Points

A very bright green gold. Smells like the essence of perfectly ripened lemon and lime, jasmine and frangipani together with a little apple blossom. Gently textured, this flows mellifluously across the palate, finishing saline, chalky and long. Just a touch richer than the '23 and a beautiful wine to drink now and over the next eight to 10 years at least. - Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion - 97 Points 

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal -  Riesling
Country - Australia
Region - Great Western, VIC
Vintage - 2024
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV -  13%