The Contours 10 Year Museum Release Riesling 2012

Carved on the cool slopes of the Eden Valley region in the Barossa Hills of South Australia, this Riesling comes from the oldest vines at the Pewsey Vale Vineyard, planted at altitude on schist and stony soils. The vineyard, exposed to cool breezes and mild nights, benefits from a cool continental climate that preserves the natural acidity of the grapes. The site's isolation and the rigorous sorting process in the vineyard result in a remarkable concentration, emblematic of the great dry Rieslings of this renowned Australian terroir.

High-altitude Riesling grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness in the Pewsey Vale vineyard, then gently pressed before a long, cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity. The wine is then aged on its fine lees in tank and bottle, with extended cellaring at the estate for this 10-year-old "Museum Release," allowing the dry, taut profile to develop complex tertiary notes while retaining remarkable freshness.

This wine reveals notes of ripe lemon , lime , and orange zest , complemented by floral nuances of white flowers and jasmine , as well as mineral touches reminiscent of damp stone and sun-baked slate. Evolved accents of light honey and toast mingle subtly with the aromatic profile. On the palate, the texture is precise and elegant, driven by a lively and chiseled acidity, with notable concentration and a long, taut, and saline finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.