Rockburn Tigermoth Riesling 2011 Central Otago

Riesling has benefited as much as any wine from the maturing of New Zealand’s vineyards. Older vines give wine substance and depth. Riesling has traditionally been given a degree of sweetness to temper its acid, which can dominate the delicate purity of a variety that is a little like the ripeness of crisp Granny Smith apple in its best expression. German Riesling has traditionally been sweetened to temper high acid levels in the wine of a short, cool growing area. As New Zealand vines mature our Riesling is better able to cope with less residual sweetness. The wine of older vines ripens more completely and is fuller bodied than the wine of young vines.

This Rockburn Riesling is bright, lively pale gold in colour. It has a lingering aftertaste with something of the flavour of ripe Granny Smith apples as well as a twist of rock melon and the tang of ripe grapefruit.  

It is a beautifully balanced wine which was enjoyed at Didas on Jervois Road, while a man on a guitar played flamenco.

Tim Harris - Winewriter