Inspire Me

The best rieslings from Taste’s Top Wine Awards 2018

Vibrant, zesty and aromatic with great natural acidity - what's not to love about New Zealand riesling? Master of Wine Bob Campbell shares his top picks from Taste magazine's Top Wine Awards.
Taste top wine awards - Best Riesling

Look out for the Taste Top Wine Award stickers on these bottles at supermarkets and selected liquor retailers.

Under $20

Giesen 2017 Gemstone Riesling, Marlborough $19.99

A new limited edition riesling in a moderately sweet style with deliciously tangy acidity creating a very appealing tension. A great buy at this price.

Lake Chalice 2015 The Falcon Riesling, Marlborough $17.99

Light, gently tangy riesling with lime, white flowers and salty mineral flavours. A lingering finish with a salt air tang to it. Good value at this price.

Sherwood 2016 Stoney Range Riesling, Waipara $12.99

Medium/dry riesling with Gala apple, citrus/lime/grapefruit and subtle wildflower flavours. Creamy-textured and appealing wine with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Mud House 2016 Riesling, Waipara $14.99

Light, fresh, simple riesling in a medium style with floral, lime/citrus and subtle apricot flavours. Soft-textured wine that offers good value at this price.

$20-$30

Seresin 2013 Memento Riesling, Marlborough $24

Pure and ethereal organic riesling with surprisingly bright, fresh floral and citrus flavours supported by tangy acidity.

Soho 2016 Maren Riesling, Marlborough $24.99

Attractive medium/dry riesling with lime zest and white flower flavours with a suggestion of oyster shell mineral character.

Amisfield 2016 Lowburn Terrace Riesling, Central Otago $25

Delicious riesling in a medium/sweet style. No botrytis in this wine, just pure, edgy varietal flavours of lime, mineral and white flowers plus a suggestion of tree fruit/white peach.

Ceres 2017 Black Rabbit Riesling, Central Otago $27.95

Off/dry riesling with lovely purity and an impeccable balance of sweetness and fruity acidity. Subtle lime leaf flavours with a suggestion of floral characters and oyster shell.

Over $30

Framingham 2017 Select Riesling, Marlborough $35

Selectively hand-harvested from old vines. Weighty riesling with lime, mineral, apricot/tree fruit and toast flavours.

Two Rivers 2016 Altitude Riesling, Marlborough $36

An unusual and appealing wine with restrained aromatics but an enhanced, weighty and quite creamy texture. Toast, lemon, and subtle biscuity flavours.

Kusuda 2017 Riesling, Martinborough $40

Quite a concentrated riesling with lime, white flowers and oyster shell/mineral character supported by taut, ripe acidity that helps drive a lengthy finish.

Pegasus Bay 2007 Aged Release Riesling, Waipara $40

Still very fresh with bright lime/citrus and mineral flavours and just a suggestion of toastiness from bottle age. Reasonably dry wine with a little potential still up its sleeve.

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