2024 Dry River Craighall Martinborough Riesling
Grape
Riesling
Its Origins
Dry River took its simple but evocative name from an historic sheep station that used to exist a few kilometres away on the dry, wandering river plains between Martinborough and lake Wairarapa. Planted by the visionary Neil and Dawn McCallum in 1979 - a good few years ahead of ‘old hand’ Alan Limmer in Gimblett Gravels - Dry River were not only ahead of the curve but can these days speak meaningfully about the old vine presence and impact on the estate’s production. With an approach and culture that feels quite European, Dry River are interested in sustainability and minimal intervention - especially in the winery - but always with a reasoned eye for what is pragmatic and particular to their terroir. Eschewing the Kiwi obsession with varietal flavour-making and wines to drink now, Dry River focus their impressive resources on the simple but complex task of producing and preserving true physiological ripeness, in this way making wines of extreme quality and balance that are often approachable young but reach their true expression after some years in cellar.
What The Critics Say
Winemaker notes on current 2024 vintage
"A captivating bouquet of white lilies, powdered sea salt, almond oil, green apple, and the vibrant freshness of pikopiko fern leaps from the glass, offering an intricate and alluring nose. On the palate, the wine unfolds with effortless grace, delivering a broad, savoury impression balanced by a delicate touch of residual sugar. Layers of citrus rind, nougat, and a subtle buttery richness from extended lees aging intertwine seamlessly. With its lighter alcohol and precise focus, the wine heightens the sensory experience, stimulating the taste receptors at the edges of the palate for a refreshing, cleansing effect. The finish is remarkably long and resonant... Just nine rows of fruit, grown on our coldest, windiest, and stoniest terrace, shaping the wine’s tension and phenolic structure.The dry, warm 2024 vintage softened phenolics ahead of sugar accumulation, yielding purity at lower alcohol—akin to our late ’90s wines. Serving suggestion: 8 – 12C, serve with white fish ceviche, grilled salmon or barbecued chicken."
97/100 James Suckling (2023 vintage)
"This is so serious, showing a depth and weight that give you such power, then a laser-guided structure that takes you long and far. Full and buttressed with flavor and acid. Serious riesling here. Drink now."
97/100 Cameron Douglas MS (2021 vintage)
"Captivating, pure, ripe, compelling and complex. Flavours of lemon and green apple, kaffir lime leaf and elderflower. A distinctive mineral seam and natural fruit spice, honeysuckle and core of citrus and white fleshed fruit. An abundance of acidity contrast the core flavours, a hint of residual sweetness and complex flavours impact. Lengthy, a fantastic wine with best drinking from 2023 through 2040+."
| Variety | Riesling |
|---|---|
| Region | Martinborough |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2045 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.