2016 Greywacke Riesling

Kevin Judd made some fine Rieslings while at Cloudy Bay (that winery has since narrowed its focus), so it is no surprise that his 2016 Riesling is a solid effort. At 12% alcohol and about 20 grams of residual sugar, it doesn't slot conveniently into the conventional German nomenclature, but it might be compared to a Spätlese feinherb in style. It's ripe and peachy, with melon flavors as well, but those plush, fruity sensations are backed by fine notes of pulverized stone and lime zest that provide backbone and length.