The Story Henty Riesling 2011
Pure, fragrant and as intense as Henty Riesling can be: lovely nose of rose water, lime, wet stone and hints of mandarin. The palate is wonderfully complex and intense with layers upon layers of fruit interwoven with acidity and just a hint of Residual Sugar. Drink this summer or cellar for 10 to 15 year. 110 dozen produced 96 points Anthony D'Anna
I was lucky enough to find a small vineyard of 27 yr old vines north of Portland the closest known sites being Crawford River and Seppelt Drumborg. It’s a bit further south than both these sites, and persistent rain made botrytis an issue, as was getting it anywhere near ripe enough. The botrytis was a blessing in disguise though, pushing the ripeness up just enough to make something interesting, and providing some complex flavours. I’ve left a little sugar in the wine to combat the big acid, but it will be an interesting summer drink, and will probably cellar for an eternity! Rory Lane
Our progression towards incorporating cooler climate wines from properly cool regions sees our first Henty Riesling. From a 28yr old vineyard near Portland in the south west of the state, this Riesling is a pristine, appley, floral and very pretty wine with racy acid and a hint of residual sugar for balance and texture. 11g/L RS, 8g/L TA and only 11% alcohol. Wines from this region age superbly, but it’s a joy to drink now too.
Vine Age 28yrs app.
11% alc
pH 3.04
Total Acidity 8g/l
110 dozen produced
Barker (formerly Kingsley’s) Vineyard, Gorae West. Planted in the early 1980s, the Kingsley Vineyard was planted with Caberneet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and Riesling, but all has been removed now save a 1Ha block of original Riesling vines. Situated 10km north of Portland in the far southwest of the state, on Cobboboonee Basalt red soils, and spur pruned. 2011 was the first year we have taken the fruit, and even in a difficult vintage like that it still produced intense lime flavours and structure. Rory Lane
