Mitchell Watervale Riesling 2021 (1500ml)

In 1975 Andrew and Jane Mitchell took over the family farm in the Clare Valley and established Mitchell Wines. They are one of the stalwarts of the Clare Valley and are renowned for the production of long-lived rieslings. Over the years the Mitchells have established or acquired 80ha of vineyards on 4 excellent sites. Some of the vines are over 60 years old and are all managed organically. 

"A quality winemaker, a classic year and a regional speciality grape. What else could you want? Absolutely nothing. A top riesling here showcasing Watervale’s celebrated elegance combined with steely resolve. Bouquet of lemon balm, citrus oil, lime cordial and zest. Make that VERY limey and so Clare! Striking citrus – imagine sucking on a lemon drop or pastille with a mouth-puckering fruit intensity – marries perfectly to the (still) emerging succulent texture. As with all young Clare Valley rieslings, racy acidity is the driver and key. Rest assured, it’s in place and in preparation for years of excellent drinking."  Jeni Port

"Flinty wet sand minerality with kaffir lime and lemon blossom. The flavour is fresh and bright. Struck match flintiness with exotic limes. Long and linear with sweet fruit and textural tangents giving the wine complexity and generosity.

Mitchell Watervale Riesling is crafted in the same traditional, low intervention style that has been used consistently for the past 45 years. The crop once picked is treated carefully in the winery, where only the highest quality free-run juice is used. The wine experiences a long, gentle fermentation with indigenous vineyard yeasts. The wine is left to rest on lees for five months, resulting in a textural, approachable wine that is characterised by its refreshing acid and by its finesse, elegance and balance.

2021 was a classic Clare Valley vintage - cool and dry conditions resulted in fruit with great varietal character and delightful natural acidity. Late winter/early spring rain saw the vines start the growing season with good sub soil moisture, this led to an even bud burst and excellent canopy growth. While the rest of the growing season was dry, there was ideal flowering conditions and great fruit set."  Mitchell Wines

Expert reviews

"Pale colour. Fragrant lemon curd, lime, camomile aromas with herb garden notes and a hint of tonic water. Beautifully concentrated wine with lovely lemon curd, grapefruit lime flavours, some tonic water notes, fine lacy slightly al dente textures and long fresh crisp acidity. Lovely density and line. Now – 2030."  Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal - 96 points

"A quality winemaker, a classic year and a regional speciality grape. What else could you want? Absolutely nothing. A top riesling here showcasing Watervale’s celebrated elegance combined with steely resolve. Bouquet of lemon balm, citrus oil, lime cordial and zest. Make that VERY limey and so Clare! Striking citrus – imagine sucking on a lemon drop or pastille with a mouth-puckering fruit intensity – marries perfectly to the (still) emerging succulent texture. As with all young Clare Valley rieslings, racy acidity is the driver and key. Rest assured, it’s in place and in preparation for years of excellent drinking. Drink by: 2021-2030."  Jeni Port, Wine Pilot – 94 points

"Super-pure, perfumed and dialed into lime aromas in an impressive mode. The palate has concentrated lime and hints of grapefruit. Gently pithy and textural. Drink now. Screw cap."  James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com - 93 points

"Seems that the Clare Valley can do no wrong in this much-hyped, and deservedly so, vintage. Another fine Riesling, this one from the Watervale sub-district. Fermentation is with indigenous vineyard yeasts and the wine spends five months sitting on its lees. Lovely green/gold colour. The nose immediately exhibits some luscious lime/citrus characters but also some tropicals, notably passionfruit and pineapple. All very appealing. The wine broadens a little across the palate and the flavours flow beautifully. Bone dry, there is good, slightly crunchy acidity which carries through on a reasonably long finish. Floral notes emerge here and there, interweaving with the lime. This has a good eight to ten years of development ahead of it. At the moment, it is showing more generosity of flavour and style than piercing length and laser sharp focus. I know both styles have many fans, so if you like that generosity of flavour then you’ll love this. Great effort.  Drink by: 2021-2031."  Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot – 93 points

About the winery

"In 1975 Andrew and Jane Mitchell took over the family farm in the Clare Valley and established Mitchell Wines. One of the stalwarts of the Clare Valley, they produce long-lived rieslings and cabernet sauvignons in classic regional style. The range now includes very creditable semillon, grenache and shiraz. A lovely old stone apple shed is the cellar door and upper section of the upgraded winery. Children Angus and Edwina are now working in the business, heralding generational changes. Over the years the Mitchells have established or acquired 80ha of vineyards on 4 excellent sites, some vines over 60 years old; all are managed organically, with biodynamic composts used for over a decade."  James Halliday