Seppelt Xavier's Labyrinth Henty Riesling 2008

Seppelt produce the iconic Drumborg Vineyard Riesling, which is sourced exclusively from the prized Drumborg Vineyard in the ultra cool climate Henty region in South Western Victoria. The 2008 Seppelt Xavier's Labyrinth Henty Riesling was produced in 2012 by Seppelt for The Wine Society. Not surprisingly, it has many characteristics in common with its famous sibling.

"The delicately floral and aromatic bouquet sets the scene for a very fine, refined and elegant palate with an intensity and length of flavour that belies the overall delicacy of the wine."  Ian McKenzie

Expert reviews

"At four years age, there is a slight deepening of colour but the hue is green; a classic and intense mix of lime and mineral and toast on the bouquet with touches of honey and toast; the palate is fine, long, intense and very pure, with the hallmark core of steely acidity that Seppelt' rieslings always have and which give the wines such a long lease of life. The palate blossomed with a few hours breathing, so a long cellar life is assured. A bargain."   Nick Munday, Canterbury Wines - 93 points and Special Value Wine  ★ 

"The delicately floral and aromatic bouquet sets the scene for a very fine, refined and elegant palate with an intensity and length of flavour that belies the overall delicacy of the wine."  Ian McKenzie, ex Seppelt & Southcorp Wines Chief Winemaker 

Awards

Special Value Wine – Canterbury Wines  ★

About the winery

Seppelt is one of Australia's most historic wine producers. Few Australian wineries have carved such a distinguished name for both still and sparkling wines. Not only is Seppelt a pioneer of white and red sparkling wine in Australia, but it also crafts some of the country's most collected table wines and has helped pave the way for cool climate styles in Australia.

Seppelt wines capture a diversity of Victorian terroirs. It sources fruit from vineyards situated in the cool Grampians, the Henty Hinterland, Heathcote and Bendigo. Each region offers parcels of unique character and distinctive regional typicity. The backbone of Seppelt's portfolio are the three iconic wines; St Peters Shiraz, Drumborg Riesling and the Show Sparkling Limited Release Shiraz, which is made only in exceptional years. 

The Seppelt Great Western winery traces its history back to 1865 when it was founded by Joseph Best – his brother also notably planted nearby. The vine material was sourced from St Peters Vineyard, which was the region's first vineyard planted just two years earlier in 1863. Best commissioned gold miners to dig the underground tunnels or drives that the winery is famous for. Those drives were expanded by Hans Irvine who purchased the estate after Best's sudden death in 1887 at the age of 57.

Irvine also expanded plantings and employed the ex-winemaker from Pommery, Charles Pierlot. At that time, some sparkling wine was being made locally, but it was Irvine's commitment that established the strong tradition in the region. That included what is often credited as the first Sparkling Burgundy, as it used to be called, made from red grapes, while sparkling whites were made from ondenc (once a common Bordeaux grape but now mainly grown in Gaillac), which has naturally high acidity.

By the early 1900s, there were over 1.6 kilometres of drives for cellaring and Great Western was Australia's largest wine producer. The operation was sold to Benno Seppelt in 1918, who added the family name and expanded the business further.

Fast forward to today and the winery is part of the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio, but the traditions are still very much alive. Winemaker Clare Dry, who spent 13 years crafting wines in South Australia, took over from Adam Carnaby from the 2021 vintage.