Pewsey Vale Eden Valley 'The Contours' Riesling 2013
The Pewsey Vale Vineyard was established at Eden Valley in 1847 producing some of Australia’s first cool climate wines. The early Pewsey Vale Vineyard Rieslings were exported to England where they won numerous awards in the prestigious wine shows of the era. Today Pewsey Vale Vineyard is a highly esteemed, specialist, single site estate vineyard with provenance. Riesling is our single focus. Elevated above the Barossa Valley on undulating land, Eden Valley is situated between 450 and 500 metres above sea level. At this altitude, the cooler temperatures and greater diurnal range allow the grapes to retain their natural acidity, with aromatics and fine flavours slowly developing well into the cool, dry autumn. The soils through Eden Valley are generally shallow, rocky and acidic, in many areas suited only to the grazing of sheep and cattle. There are special pockets with slightly deeper soils and finer rocks, where the vineyards have been planted. Pewsey Vale is one of the great Riesling vineyards of the world. Where a true alliance between nature and variety exists, the need for human intervention is minimal. Gentle guiding hands and an understanding of place are all that is needed to create consistent and delicious wines… vintage after vintage.
Pale straw in color with green hues, the wine opens with intense classic lemon fruit aromas and hints of white flowers. Bottle aged characters of toast, clove oil and lemon grass have started to emerge. A palate of great length and depth with concentrated power, pristine fresh lime juice overlaid with toasted brioche, sage oil and lime marmalade. The wine finishes with a fresh but soft natural acidity which balances the flavor intensity. This wine is released in 2018 after 5 years of bottle age, but will gracefully continue to age for many years for those who appreciate bottle aged Riesling.
Try with Foie Gras or duck breast with five spice glaze or smoky cauliflower soup with shaved truffles.
| Vintage | 2013 |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Riesling |
| Appellation | Eden Valley |
| Alcohol | 12.00% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | AUSTRALIA |
| State of Origin | South Australia |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
Sleek with bright lemon curd, smoky flint and opulent lime marmalade on the nose, while the elegantly textured palate is graced with pithy lime zest, wet stone and zippy citrus fruit. - Decanter, 97 pts
Despite the age of this museum release of “Contours,” from Pewsey Vale’s oldest, coolest slopes, it’s just in its teenage years, with the potential of many more years of cellaring. Pale gold in hue, it’s gained secondary notes like lighter fluid, lemon oil, lime leaf and wild herbal undertones, but there’s also a fresh floral note still present. The palate is tightly wound and chalky-textured with crisp acidity and a pleasing bitter herbal finish. Drink now–2028. - Wine Enthusiast, 94 pts
Mixes a light, mouthwatering and airy frame with intense, aromatic flavors of beeswax, lanolin, pear and lime, lingering effortlessly on the long, energetic finish. Shows plenty of precision. Drink now. - Wine Spectator, 90 pts
