About the Vineyard:
Grosset Springvale Vineyard spans 5.3 hectares at a high-altitude site in Watervale, Clare Valley. This Riesling is exclusively sourced from the Springvale Vineyard, known for its unique geology, relative seclusion, and elevated position. Acquired in 2000 and planted in 2001, the vineyard features a thin layer of red loam over limestone with deeply rooted vines in slate bedrock—a rarity for the area. A geological fault line along the eastern edge further defines the vineyard, which has remained unchanged for hundreds of millions of years.
The vineyard is A-Grade Certified Organic and Biodynamic (ACO). Soil remains undisturbed, and the closely planted vines (2,500 per hectare) are hand-tended. Two Riesling clones, one common German and one rare German variety, thrive here, producing compact yellow-green grape clusters. With an average yield of two-and-a-half bottles per vine, the grapes are hand-harvested to ensure quality.
The surrounding land has been restored to native vegetation, enhancing biodiversity and promoting natural pest and disease control. Vineyard rows are strategically oriented to maximize sunlight exposure, reflecting meticulous care in cultivating exceptional Riesling.
While Polish Hill sets the benchmark, the Springvale Riesling stands out as a remarkable wine in its own right. Expect the familiar citrus punch of lemon and lime, but also intriguing notes of anise, marshmallow, and delicate floral tones. Unusually, the anise hints veer toward red licorice—a surprising twist in a Riesling—hovering in the background like an observer in a lively citrus and tonic water gathering. Grosset continues to shine as a leading producer, delivering wines that are arguably at their peak. This Springvale Riesling earns a confident 95 points, with potential for a 96. -Wine Front
