Pewsey Vale Winery are considered on the cutting edge of high-end Rieslings. Both are single vineyard, estate grown wines that are sourced from arguably the best location in Eden Valley gaining Organic certification in 2013.
The site was originally planted in 1839 and was taken over in 1961 by Wyndham Hill-Smith who immediately rebirthed the site using propagated vines from the original 1847 plantings. One vineyard. One variety. One vision: creating the most awarded and loved Rieslings in Australia.
It would be fair to say producing Riesling is an obsession for them and have turned making Riesling into an artform with exceptional success.
Both these Rieslings are bone dry and can be cellared with further rewards. Both are highly allocated and highly rated. Four great reasons to add them to your cellar.
The Contours Museum Reserve Riesling 2015
Intense aromas of lemon and white flowers emerge from the glass that give you a hint of things to come. The palate shouts complexity and elegance with layers of Roses lime marmalade, lemon peel and honeysuckle, beeswax with a buttery almost creamy mouthfeel balanced with a soft focused acidity and a lively refreshing finish. If you want to experience what Riesling should taste like, this is the one to try. An absolute delight to drink. Pair with crab, lobster with buttery/garlic sauce, whitefish, chicken or tofu Pad Thai and Duck with five spices glaze. Expect further improve with 10 years cellaring.
The Contours Museum Release Riesling 2012
Let me start by saying that the 2012 Vintage was one of the best on record. Obviously similar to the 2015 but with more depth and complexity- how much of that is additional ageing or a better vintage is hard to judge. Enticing aromas of lime and lemon underpinned with a toasty note. The palate has so much going on, with the additional aging showing more intense flavors of Bickford’s lime juice, lemon peel, beeswax, sage oil laid over almond, honey and crushed stone minerality. Lively acidity, exceptional balance and a surprising richness with a long finish.
Winemaker recommends pairing with seared scallops and butter sauce or smoky cauliflower soup. See above pairings. I would expect further improvement over the next 5 – 10 years. Most definitely an absolute delight to drink.
Vine to Table 