| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | Australia > South Australia > Clare Valley |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
The 2025 Polish Hill Riesling leads with a surprisingly delicate and floral nose. Usually, of the two wines, the Springvale slightly softer, more open and approachable on release, whereas the Polish Hill is all power and muscle and built for long-term aging. Here, the wine has a powerfully focused acid line, however the fruit is soft and plush—I am inclined to use words such as pretty, delicate and floral. There are notes of white rose, scratched lime zest, mandarin oil, river stone and white spice. The floral aspect is something to behold, however it refrains from dipping into the "rosewater" space. This is a beauty. 12.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2026-2045.
Bright and expressive, with aromas of lemon blossoms, kaffir limes, green apples and crushed slate. The palate is finely etched and vibrant, showing zesty acidity layered with citrus, white peach and mineral flavors. Persistent and tightly wound, with excellent clarity and length. A fine bottling of this famed wine that balances power and restraint. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Quite pale green-yellow in the glass, restrained and reserved on the nose with pristine lemon blossom and steely mineral aromas. The palate opens with again reserved flavours but great intensity, an impression of ripe-fruit sweetness in the centre before a finish of yeasty/pastry and lime/citrus flavours, white pepper and slaty acidity. Long carry, cleansing and appetisingly more-ish aftertaste. Best cellar for a year or two, then drink for a decade and a half.
Polish Hill inevitably needs time in bottle to unpack its full potential, but even in its youth this 2025 is engaging and enticing. Pale silver yellow in the glass, with an intense, high-toned and tightly-coiled core of fruit wrapped in salt. Yuzu, fresh lime and just a little hint of flinty reduction have real poise. The palate has such intensity and clarity - all limes, green fruit and flinty, stony tension. This is not slender, there is textural depth and ripe bass notes that form the undertow, but there is too a real blossom-like top note that keeps you coming back for more. Saline, refreshing and moreish, the length and purity of the finish is outstanding. It will gain complexity over the coming ten years before hitting its peak, and will age gracefully in the cellar for decades.
