Here in Western Australia on a family visit, it’s refreshingly warm, the ocean is crystal clear and the sand feels like velvet underfoot following a brutally chilly winter in New Zealand. So it would be natural to expect a wine of the week that reflects this country but here goes with a pristine wine that drinks well in this climate. More to come on Western Australia and the greatness of its wines, which have been keeping my palate refreshed and interested.
In the meantime... my wine of the week comes from the deep south of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
2025 Two Paddocks Riesling RRP $42
The late and very great Sam Neill’s wine brand Two Paddocks hardly needs an introduction but Riesling certainly does, especially from Central Otago which is arguably New Zealand’s most promising (read: greatest) Riesling region, despite the area being best known for Pinot Noirs.
This is a thought provoking expression of its cool climate and arid, rocky location in the deep south of the world. Balanced high acidity and dryness (five grams residual sugar) make it an ideal fit for aromatic food and as a wine to keep and enjoy in another seven to eight years’ time+. Its cool climate crispness cuts a swathe through its aromatic complexity of lemon grass, Vietnamese mint and freshly apples. Volumes are small of this estate grown, single vineyard Riesling from Two Paddocks’ Red Bank Vineyard in Alexandra, Central Otago.
