Colour:
Pale straw.
Aroma:
Fragrant aromas of fresh lemon zest with undertones of ripe lemon.
Palate:
The palate is vibrant and expressive with notes of sweet mandarin, honeysuckle and citrus blossom. A fruit driven style with a generous and refreshing finish.
Ageing:
This wine will improve with careful cellaring for at least five years from the vintage date.
Winemakers:
Stewart Maclennan
Winemaking:
The grapes were lightly pressed and the free run juice was briefly settled then fermented at cool temperatures with a selected yeast strain to enhance aromatics. The must was tasted daily and the fermentation stopped when the residual sugar perfectly balanced the natural acidity. The wine was racked off yeast lees, stabilized, filtered and bottled, with no fining or adjustments.
Viticulture:
Two cane vertical shoot positioning (VSP), irrigated when necessary. Grapes were harvested when exhibiting desired flavours.
Block: 9
The name of this wine reflects its six-foot-ten-inch vineyard owner John Walsh, affectionately known in viticultural circles as Big John.
Region:
Woodbourne, Wairau Valley.
Terrior:
Soils: Even, free draining alluvial soils of moderate fertility.
Topography: Relatively flat with the property divided by a small tributary of the Fairhall River. The vineyard sits 40m above sea level.
Climate: Located within the valley floor this block enjoys high sunshine hours and is exposed to the prevailing dry North West winds which assists with keeping disease pressures low.
Regional Characteristics & Contribution to Uniqueness of Flavours:
Moderated vigour from the older alluvial soils sees a relatively slow ripening phase giving good flavour concentration, distinct citrus and mineral notes and excellent fruit weight on the palate.
Wine Analysis:
Alcohol 10.5% v/v
Residual sugar 33.53g/L
Acidity 9.0g/litre
pH 2.94
Our Food Match Recommendation:
Enjoy on its own as an aperitif or with Asian spiced pork.
Vegan Friendly
TROPHY - Champion Riesling - National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2025
