Hatch Watervale Riesling 2023

A star has been born.  It's by Chris Hatcher, one of Australia's great winemakers, who in 1996 became the Chief Winemaker at Fosters/Treasury Wine Estate and was responsible for some of the biggest wine names in Australia.   These included Wolf Blass, Penfolds, Wynns, Coldstream Hills, Saltram, Pepperjack, Seppelt, Devils Lair, Rosemount, Lindeman’s and St Huberts. 

But this year, he's not working on them, rather he's working for himself. And what a start!  With just his first release, here's been named by The Real Review in Australia's Top Wineries and was also Shortlisted by Halliday's Wine Companion for Best New Winery.

Rating: 96 Points. "Palish straw-yellow colour with a classic young SA riesling dried straw/dried floral bouquet; the palate is very intense and again those dried wildflower aromas power through accompanied by lemon/mixed peel flavours and the palate is very long and tensioned, finishing dry and lip-smackingly refreshing. Outstanding riesling that would age superbly, but also drinks well now, especially with fish."  Huon Hooke.  Ranked #4 of 67 2023 Riesling from Clare Valley.  The Real Review.

"So nicely put together, per se. It feels not a hair out of place. Bright with lemon-lime fruit scents and flavours, touches of anise, a lick of blackcurrant barely there, even a touch of ultra faint honey in the mix. It glides, it feels refreshing, it goes long and feels fine. Classy stuff, classic, with plenty of flavour and freshness. Kudos, Hatch."  Mike Bennie.  Halliday Wine Companion.