Crawford River Young Vines Riesling 2021

Crawford River is ideally suited to the growing and making of diamond-like rieslings of towering longevity. My love affair with Crawford River Riesling began many years ago, and burns as brightly today as it did when I first tasted it."  James Halliday

Crawford River riesling needs little introduction. They are arguably the greatest Riesling producer in Victoria and, for many wine lovers, the greatest Riesling producer in Australia. The Crawford River Young Vines Riesling is sourced from a block that was added in 2001 at the western border of the original plantings, but with the vines now 20 years of age, the name "Young Vines" is a bit of a misnomer.

"I think I have said it before, but these vines ain't so young anymore! Limey crunch, ginger and lemon tea, frangipani and jasmine scents. Right on. Flavours in that arena with a huge sense of freshness, energy and crispness. That being said a generosity too, lots of flavour, high drinkability and general charm. What a ripper of a drink this is. Mainlines riesling and deliciousness."   Mike Bennie

"A deep, yellow citrus spectrum is the driving force behind this wine. Elements of white florals, Meyer lemon zest and honeydew melon flow throughout, providing freshness and flavour intensity. A plush, textured palate flows seamlessly from start to finish, with a citrus note providing a clean, balanced finish."  Crawford River

Expert reviews

"Combination of crushed and whole-bunch fruit, natural and commercial yeasts. Fermented cool in tank, 3 weeks on lees. Not fined. Don't let the term Young Vines distract from the beauty of this wine. It's a ripper. The flavours are resoundingly fresh, vital and alive. Apple-blossom scents lead you into a world of lemon, lime, spiced apple with a bright edge of lime and mandarin zest. Silky smooth texture is a real feature, highlighting the winemaker's resolve to move this wine into serious riesling territory. She succeeds. Drink by 2033."  Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion - 95 points 

"I think I have said it before, but these vines ain't so young anymore! Limey crunch, ginger and lemon tea, frangipani and jasmine scents. Right on. Flavours in that arena with a huge sense of freshness, energy and crispness. That being said a generosity too, lots of flavour, high drinkability and general charm. What a ripper of a drink this is. Mainlines riesling and deliciousness. Drink: 2022-2035."   Mike Bennie, The Wine Front - 93 points 

About the winery

Belinda and John Thomson

In 1975, John and Catherine Thomson planted their vineyard at Crawford River, in far south-west Victoria, with Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a relatively unexplored wine growing region, but they were inspired by its geographical and geological potential to produce superior quality grapes. The cool, southerly latitude together with the maritime influence, complex soil structure and favourable micro-climate create a terroir which has justified the initial vision. The area is now known as the Geographical Indication (GI) of Henty. 

More plantings followed in 1976 and 1977 and the addition of a winery in 1981. Two further small plantings occurred in 1994 and 2001, however, they are now in the phase of replanting to ensure the longevity and future resilience of their special site. The wines are crafted exclusively from hand-picked and selected fruit grown on the estate vineyard, where they are subsequently processed and bottled on-site. 

Belinda Thomson took over from her father John as Chief Winemaker and Viticulturist in 2014 and is now the creative force behind the vineyard and wines. After studying Viticulture and Oenology in NZ in 2002 and staying on to work for several years, she returned to work with her father in 2005 after overseas harvests in France, Germany and Spain. A hunger for knowledge together with a passion for family led her to combine responsibilities at Crawford River with extensive international experience across a range of countries, before returning full-time in 2014 to her family estate. In 2020 she was a finalist in the Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year list, as well as being included in the Top 50 Young Gun Vineyards of the year awards.

Crawford River Vineyard

The Crawford River Vineyard lies at the alluvial edge of a volcanic lava flow. The 11.5 Ha vineyard has its roots in an unusually complex, mineral-rich soil base. Gravelly, friable, basalt loam overlays permeable clay which in turn lies above a limestone base created by an ancient, risen seabed.

Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon are the two main varieties in the vineyard, with smaller plantings of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

All major activities such as picking, pruning, leaf-plucking, shoot-thinning and green pruning are done by hand. The vineyard is maintained without the use of herbicides or insecticides and organic practices are used wherever possible. They have a bio-dynamic test plot that Belinda prepared and planted with Riesling in 2014.