95 Points - Huon Hooke
The late John Vickery was acknowledged as one of the masters of Australian Riesling and a driving force behind the evolution of this ever-popular varietal. In an illustrious career spanning over fifty years, he oversaw Riesling at Leo Buring in the 1960's and 70's, then at Richmond Grove in the 1990's and 2000's.
Vickery's own label was established in 2014, with a pair of Rieslings from Watervale (Clare Valley) and Eden Valley (Barossa). Not surprisingly, these quickly established a reputation as among the finest made in Australia.
The 2023 Vickery Watervale Riesling is another brilliant Clare Valley Riesling from a standout vintage in Clare Valley. The nose is bursting with aromas of apple, citrus and blossom, with a subtle touch of fennel spice and nectarine. The flavour-packed palate is bright and zesty, with beautifully balanced natural acid, full ripeness and intense flavours of stone fruit and lemon curd. Another delicious Watervale Riesling from Vickery.
"95 Points. Dried flower and tropical fruit aromas, a bouquet of dried wildflowers, impressively rich and full in the mouth, with refinement and great length. A super-impressive young riesling. Drink: 2024 to 2033. $24.00. 12% alc."- Huon Hooke, The Real Review.
"This fine and subtle 2023 Riesling opens up with serene aromas of lime zest, lemon pith and hints of mandarin skin with stony/spicy complexity. Laser-like acidity follows, providing a taut experience, more stony nuances on display before delivering a powerful, yet feather-weight finish, accented by talcum powder tannin with quite phenomenal length to close. It’s a sleeper that will deliver plenty over time. Epic value. Drink: 2028 - 2040. 93 Points. $24"- Angus Hughson, winepilot.com.
"I’ve banged on a lot here about how well Vickery rieslings age but, quite honestly, they’re so ravishingly delicious in the first year or so after vintage it’s a miracle any bottles get the chance to fulfil their cellaring potential. Bursting with ripe citrus flavour - squishy lime pulp, mandarin peel - this one fills the mouth with intensity and deliciousness. It’s also available as a limited-release magnum for $60: if you’re serious about cellaring and you still have a few decades of life left to live, this is a no-brainer: wine matures better (albeit more slowly) in larger-format bottles. Of course, a magnum of the 2023 would also be great, right now, for a big dinner party - especially if there’s fresh seafood on the table. $24"- Max Allen, Australian Financial Review, January 29, 2024.
