Winemakers Collection Nelson 'Sweet Agnes' Riesling 2008 - Cellar Release

The Vineyard

The Brightwater Vineyard was planted with Riesling in 1999. These vines are grown in an extremely stony area of the vineyard, where water and nutrient levels are low. This helps to restrict the plants vigour and crop at low levels. To further enhance the aromatics we removed leaves to allow light penetration and air movement around the fruiting zone. The smaller portion comes from our Redwood Valley Vineyard. This vineyard is unirrigated and is situated on a gently sloping, north facing clay site; the vines range in age from 8 to 25 years. Vertical shoot positioning helps to expose the berries to sunlight, thus getting maximum intensity and optimal ripeness.

Winemakers Note

Using 100% Riesling fruit, the grapes were hand selected at the peak of ripeness with a large portion of the fruit shrivelled and raisined, caused by natural dehydration. The grapes were then gently pressed to release a very concentrated intensely flavoured juice. The sweetness level of the juice was 38° Brix. The fermentation was initiated immediately and continued for about two and a half weeks. During this time, the wine was monitored and tasted regularly. The young wine was then filtered and stabilised before bottling in early September 2008. The residual sugar in the wine is 242 g/L.

Tasting Note

A powerful and potent dessert wine with all the elegance of its cool climate roots. The concentrated ripe peach and nectarine flavours are balanced nicely with the fine natural acidity backbone and zest, leaving a smooth, lingering finish.