2024 Dhillon Riesling, Macedon Ranges, VIC. 750ml
Michael Dhillon (of Bindi fame's) project with fruit not from the home estate but just a little further afield - in this case, the Glenhope vineyard just up the road from Granite Hills.
This new project from the granite soils in the northern end of the Macedon Ranges at 460m above sea level is an exciting addition to our activities. The vineyard was established in 1995 and the fruit has ostensibly been “lost” interstate until new Victorian owners took over in spring 2021. The new regime has quickly invested in the infrastructure and fine-tuned activities and several top producers are sourcing fruit from this excellent site. The Riesling was harvested in mid April and wild yeast fermented in old French oak then matured for six months on fine yeast lees. In the winemaking mind it was important to preserve/respect the vibrancy of the fruit but to also seek further subtle depth of complexity and palate texture and flow. Not too fruity, not too savoury, hopefully a wine to please Goldilocks. It feels like we have landed pretty close to where we would like the style to be. The nose has subtle layers of complexity starting with lime and lemon. There is some sherbet, spice, floral notes and some savoury lees derived nuance. The palate begins with texture, is tight, freshens, fills and drives with bright acid and fruit power and has a chalky mouthfeel. It will certainly improve with a few years in the bottle and live well beyond.
