2021 Crawford River Riesling 750ml

Overview

The 2021 Crawford River Riesling is an acclaimed cool-climate Australian white wine from Crawford River Wines in Henty, Victoria. Produced from estate-grown Riesling in southwestern Victoria, this 750ml release displays white nectarine, grapefruit, green apple and delicate citrus characters, supported by mineral freshness and a textured palate. Awarded 96 points by Jeni Port in Halliday Wine Companion and 95 points by Mike Bennie of The Wine Front, this elegant Victorian Riesling combines exceptional concentration, vibrant acidity and impressive ageing potential.

Critic Reviews

96/100 — Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion
“A marvel! So fully formed in its youth and delivering outstanding deliciousness.”
Tasted 09 January 2022
Published 22 February 2022

95/100 — Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
“Excellent length, concentration and mouth-filling pleasure.”
Tasted March 2022

Producer Tasting Notes

Crawford River Wines — Winemaker Notes

Aroma
Delicate citrus, white florals and green melon combine with hints of oyster shell on the nose.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Crawford River Riesling originates from the estate's historic vineyard in Henty, southwestern Victoria. The first Riesling blocks were planted in 1975–1976 on two neighbouring ridges with north-northwest aspects and gravelly, ironstone-rich, free-draining clay loam soils. A further block planted in 1977 has a west-northwest aspect, sandier loam and closer proximity to limestone.

The combination of these vineyard soils contributes to Crawford River's characteristic floral aromatics, mineral intensity and textural depth. Fruit is hand-picked and selected from the estate vineyard, then processed and bottled on site. For the 2021 vintage, the wine was pressed from both crushed and whole-bunch fruit, fermented in stainless steel and rested on lees for approximately ten weeks without fining.

About the Producer

Founded in 1975 by John and Catherine Thomson, Crawford River Wines is a family-owned estate in the Henty wine region of southwestern Victoria, approximately 50 kilometres inland from the Southern Ocean. Established well beyond Australia's traditional winegrowing regions, the vineyard was selected for its distinctive soils, cool maritime climate and potential to produce exceptional wines.

With Belinda Thomson continuing the family's winemaking tradition, Crawford River has developed a distinguished reputation for precise, age-worthy Riesling. The estate's commitment to vineyard expression and carefully selected fruit remains central to its winemaking philosophy.

Specifications