Another year and another glorious vintage of one or our absolute favourites. We are still wondering if this “Golden Hillside” is an actual place, or a mythical place of the gods. The riesling from the Hillside is nothing short of heavenly, and the price suggests some sort of divine intervention. Plus, however high the vineyards of Clare Valley can get, surely those planted on celestial slopes are more so. How else would you get such an otherworldly balance of drool-worthy lime and sunshine-soaked lemons, refreshing minerality and cloudlike complexity? The bottle definitely says Clare Valley though.

Complex and textural riesling from the Apple Isle. This small-scale passion project of Tassie icon Derwent Estate is brand new to the ‘Fo. Safe to say, we’re stoked to get our hands on it. Juicy, pithy lime gives depth and breadth to the palate, and developed whole lemon drives the fruit profile. A musky, petroleum nuance reveals itself in the glass. We won’t judge you if instant gratification is your thing, but this beauty will keep developing in complexity for years to come.

Your next riesling need not be introduced. This is Pikes, one of the most adored Clare Valley wineries- and for good reason. Pikes have been a household name since their days manufacturing beer and soft drinks, but have since captivated hearts with phenomenal wines true to the unique and famed terroir of the Clare Valley. I'll never forget sipping on the fresh 2022 vintage with Jamie Pike at the Quarry Hill Lookout watching over Polish Hill River. This is a wine that commands a sensational moment, although the argument could be had that this wine is what makes those moments sensational. Lemon-lime pithiness, refreshing mineral core, and a humming note of white blossoms and jasmine sing a beautiful harmony. If you’re looking for the best riesling of Clare, notice us gently nudge this one your way.