Mitchell Watervale Riesling 2022

Chairman's Trophy - 2022 Clare Valley Wine Show
James Suckling Top 100 Value Wines of the World 2022
James Suckling Top 100 Wines of Australia 2022

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. 

"Incredibly elegant and delicate with tons of floral aromas, the lime usually associated with this appellation way in the background on the front-palate, then growing in intensity as the wine flows gracefully over the palate. Wonderful textural complexity. Very polished acidity drives the brilliant and very long finish."  James Suckling

"Bright and clear with pale straw hues. Aromas of ripe crabapple with floral overtones and crisp citrus. A rich creamy palate defined with a fine clean acid finish the lingers and refreshes.

Mitchell Watervale Riesling is crafted in the same traditional, low intervention style that has been used consistently for the past 45 years. The crop is hand picked and 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.

A dry and cool Autumn led to above average rainfall across winter and spring. High soil moisture throughout the growing season combined with mild summer temperatures delayed both budburst and version, resulting in near perfect ripening conditions. The flavour development and acid retention across all varieties was exceptional, and one of the latest starts to vintage in more than a decade allowed the grapes to ripen slowly on the vine. A great vintage all round in Clare."  Mitchell Wines

Expert reviews

"Incredibly elegant and delicate with tons of floral aromas, the lime usually associated with this appellation way in the background on the front-palate, then growing in intensity as the wine flows gracefully over the palate. Wonderful textural complexity. Very polished acidity drives the brilliant and very long finish. Drink or hold."  James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com - 97 points and Top 100 Value Wines of the World 2022 and Top 100 Wines of Australia 2022

"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

"First made back in 1977, this has long been a beacon for lovers of great Clare Valley Riesling. Made from free run juice, with a slow fermentation from wild yeasts, it then spends time on lees. There was a great deal of deserved hype about the 2021 vintage for this region, so when we start hearing claims that the following year might be even better, a touch of skepticism never goes astray. Fear not, the rave reviews for the 2022 vintage in the Clare Valley are more than justified.

Bright yet pale lemon in colour, there are intense aromas of florals and citrus, a touch of oystershell and even a hint of pineapple to sit alongside the inevitable fresh lemons and limes. An expressive and exquisite Riesling, focused, seamless, fine and with a gentle but persistent line of crisp acidity plus great length. A wonderful Watervale Riesling which will easily reward ten to twenty years in a good cellar. Drink: 2022-2042."  Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot - 96 points

"One of the wine highlights of the year has been the arrival of yet another superb Riesling vintage out of the Clare Valley. If you thought that 2021 was great, well, how good is it to see two exceptional Valley vintages back to back? While debate will rage as to which is better – does it really matter? – I suggest you enjoy the moment and stock up. Like the '21, the '22 Riesling arrives fully formed, in that it achieves an effortless, natural balance early in its life. That's a great year for you. Glistening in lime-yellow hues, the scent – not to mention the palate – boasts a deep, concentrated lime and lemon intensity. Floral aromatics and green apple hover in the background. This is a moment for Clare's strong suit, a rich vein of citrus that carries all before it. Texture is already apparent and brings with it a smoothness like lemon curd which helps to amplify the clean intensity of the citrus. Spice and apple notes across the palate play a supporting role. Racy acidity, another bonus in a great year, is energised and fully integrated. This little beauty is ready to be enjoyed now and will keep keeping on for years. Drink: 2022-2032."  Jeni Port, Wine Pilot – 95 points

"A ripper for the bucks. Stoically centred on hallmark sweet lime, green apple, gingery spice and lively jasmine floral elements in bouquet and palate. Done and done right. There's a lick of fruity sweetness to taste, delivering a little extra bandwidth in the palate, but that works as a comely beacon for drinkability and easy appeal. That gingery filigree through the finish is stellar. Love that. All up, a very Clare classic style, but with more dimension, and, again, to stutter, huge value. Drink by 2030."  Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion - 93 points and Special Value Wine  ★ 

Awards

Chairman's Trophy - 2022 Clare Valley Wine Show 2022
Top 100 Value Wines of the World 2022 - James Suckling
Top 100 Wines of Australia 2022 - James Suckling
Special Value Wine – Halliday Wine Companion  ★ 

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