Dry Grown Reserve Riesling 2024

REVIEW

94 Points – Ray Jordan

"Galafrey uses only free-run juice here, heightening the wine’s purity and pristine character. Regional and varietal spice intertwines with citrus and lemon peel on the nose, while the palate is finely structured with impressive tension balanced by deep Riesling intensity. It finishes long, racy and precise."

93 Points – Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion

"A perfumed, pretty Riesling that leans into citrus blossom florals, concentrated lime juice, crisp red apple and pulpy pink grapefruit zest. A subtle chalky texture adds further appeal. Crystal clear, and clearly delicious."

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Alcohol: 12.5% Alc/Vol

TASTING NOTES

Crafted exclusively from 100% free-run juice sourced from specially selected fruit, the Reserve represents the purest expression of our old dry-grown vineyard. Lifted aromas of lemon blossom, lime zest and grapefruit are complemented by hints of citrus peel and delicate spice. The palate is finely focused and intensely flavoured, with concentrated lemon and lime fruit, a chalky mineral texture and vibrant natural acidity driving a long, crisp finish. Elegant yet powerful, it pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, freshly caught whiting and freshly shucked oysters.

VINEYARD

Fruit is sourced from our 49-year-old, 12-hectare dry-grown vineyard in Mount Barker, Western Australia. Our mature vines are unirrigated, a rarity in modern viticulture, producing naturally low yields and small berries with exceptional flavour concentration. Planted on ancient gravelly loam soils in the renowned Great Southern region, the vineyard benefits from slow ripening conditions that build purity, intensity and balance. Cane-pruned and yielding approximately two tonnes per hectare, these old vines consistently deliver fruit of remarkable quality and character.

VINTAGE COMMENTS

A dry start to the growing season resulted in one of the earliest harvests on record. Record temperatures and successive heatwaves challenged ripening, while limited rainfall from spring through to harvest reduced yields. Despite the demanding conditions, fruit quality remained exceptional, producing wines of outstanding concentration, purity and varietal expression.

WINEMAKING

The cool climate of Mount Barker is internationally recognised for producing exceptional Riesling. Through meticulous vineyard management and sympathetic winemaking, we aim to capture the purity of the fruit and the distinctive character of its origin. Displaying hallmark notes of chalky minerality, vibrant citrus and fine natural acidity, this Reserve Riesling is lively, balanced and beautifully structured, with excellent cellaring potential while offering immediate drinking pleasure.