2023 Koerner Watervale Riesling

Region: Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia

Grape: Riesling

Culinary Suggestions: Fish & Chips, Salt & Pepper Calamari, Sushi, Chicken Wings, Charcuterie Board

Vineyard Practice: Organic

About

Damon Koerner established his eponymous family wine label in 2014 with just 200dz of hand-made hand-bottled wine.

The Koerner wines quickly caught the attention of sommeliers and progressive independents around Australia. Today the brand is recognised as a leader of new wave Clare and South Australian wine. The Koerner family are no strangers to wine growing. Father Anthony is a career vigneron and still farms 75 hectares of vines on terra rossa over limestone bedrock in Leasingham in the Watervale sub-district of the Clare Valley. Damon’s experience includes a Batchelor of Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Adelaide, various vintages and, importantly, time in vineyard management in the Adelaide Hills.

The Clare Valley fruit is sourced predominantly from the family vineyard – Gullyview – with neighbouring Parish and Vivian vineyards supplying the balance. The terra rossa soil over limestone produces high quality grapes packed with primary fruit flavours and underlying freshness. Damon’s viti and winemaking experience combine seamlessly when selecting the harvest time to produce the light, fresh, textured but well-structured Koerner styles he seeks; styles he likes to drink himself. Winemaking intervention is minimal but high attention to detail is key. A recent restructure will see the Leko Adelaide Hills wines transitioning to a new Koerner – Adelaide Hills label. Damon and wife Maddie have recently purchased a beautifully sighted high altitude apple orchard at Forest Range that will become a source for future bottlings. Damon is always on the move! - Distributor Note

Tasting Notes

Brought to life through the Gullyview and Parish Vineyards of Clare Valley. Now in screwcap closure.

A potency to this wine, texture and savoury elements with strong currency of green apple, tart lime and gingery spice woven through. A faint accord of hazelnut nuttiness, a lick of creaminess and yet crisp edges and a brittle core of mineral charged acidity. It feels so distinct from run-of-the-mill Clare Valley riesling archetypes, delivering complexity through its various elements, and yet so composed. Excellent.

95 points - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front Mar 2024

Drink: 2024 - 2030+