Kirrihill E.B. Gleeson 'The Settler' Riesling 2020

Clare Valley's unique terroir, particularly the prized soils of the WSS vineyard in Watervale where this wine originates, creates rieslings with exceptional mineral complexity and aging potential. The region's continental climate and ancient slate soils produce wines with remarkable purity and structure, allowing them to develop beautifully over decades while maintaining their characteristic lime-citrus backbone and floral aromatics.

This Settler riesling is designed for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring up to 10 years or more. As it ages, the bright citrus and blossom notes will evolve into honeyed complexity, while the mineral backbone becomes more pronounced. The wine's natural acidity will preserve its freshness, developing toast and petrol notes that are hallmarks of well-aged Clare Valley riesling.

James Halliday's 95-point score places this riesling in the 'outstanding wine of exemplary quality and character' category, representing less than 5% of wines reviewed. Combined with multiple gold medals from prestigious competitions including the Royal Melbourne Wine Show and International Wine & Spirit Competition, this recognition confirms exceptional winemaking and the wine's ability to compete at the highest international level.

The wine's citrus and blossom character with mineral undertones makes it superb with fresh seafood, particularly oysters, sashimi, or grilled fish with herbs. Its medium body and aromatic profile also complement Asian cuisine beautifully - think Thai salads, Vietnamese pho, or Chinese steamed dishes. The mineral backbone cuts through rich foods like pork belly or creamy cheeses.

While Kirrihill excels across multiple varietals from shiraz to malbec, their riesling program demonstrates the depth of their winemaking expertise. Their ability to source from premium sites like the WSS vineyard in Watervale and craft wines that perform equally well young or aged shows mastery of both viticulture and cellar techniques. This versatility reflects Clare Valley's diverse microclimates and soil types.