Varietal	Riesling
Closure	Screw Cap	Size	375ml
Alc/Vol	9%	Enjoy	Now - 2017
The aroma and flavour profile is multifaceted with impressions of lychees, pawpaw, cantaloupe, passion-fruit and apricots.  An overlay of honeysuckle, comb honey and beeswax comes from the botrytis.  While it is mouth-filling and lusciously sweet, it is cut through with zesty acidity and tingling minerality which keep it focused, elegant and in balance.  The wine seems to expand on the palate and leaves a citrusy after-taste of lemons and limes. After selection the grapes were gently pressed, but because they were so raisin-like, very little juice was obtained.  Following settling the clear juice from the top was removed and fermented at a cool temperature to help retain the natural fruitiness and unique flavours added by botrytis.  Because the juice had been so syrupy the fermentation stopped while the wine was still sweet and as soon as this occurred, it was removed from its yeast lees to maximise varietal purity and freshness.  It was bottled soon after. The wine is ready to drink on release but with careful cellaring it should unfold an array of other fascinating nuances over the next 5 or 6 years and live for a decade or more.
What the critics think
2007 - “The 2007 Encore Noble Riesling has a wonderful, honeyed nose, apricot and orange essence, and mandarin. The palate is full-bodied, very pure, perhaps could do with just a little more acidity and poise towards the finish. Still, very well crafted.” Rating; 91/100 points Robert Parker/Neal Martin - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Issue #184 - October 2009
2007 - “Stylish, distinguished and Euro-styled, this may be a lot to pay for a half bottle, but it’s worth every cent. A flourish of wild honey and lifted florals on the mid palate adds an exotic note to its apricot and peach fruit. The structure is ultra-fine and minerality and the length is other-worldly.” Rating; 95 Points Tyson Stelzer - WINE100 - May 2009
2007 - “This superb sweet riesling from New Zealand’s Waipara Valley is made from 100 per cent botrytised grapes, harvested after the arrival of winter. It’s reminiscent of lime syrup, cumquats, apricots and minerals. The palate is luscious with penetrating sweet citrus flavour and a hint of rose water.” Rating; 5 Stars Ralph Kyte Powell - Good Living Sydney Morning Herald - February 2009
2007 - “This is luscious honeyed wine with great acidity. It’s intense and sweet but shows no hint of cloying. Citrus Riesling varietal flavours are still evident although botrytis makes an even stronger statement. Serious sticky with character.” Rating; 5 Stars                                      Bob Campbell MW & Huon Hooke - Top 100 New Releases Gourmet Traveller Wine - Feb/Mar 2009