2023 Ministry of Clouds Riesling

After almost three decades of shared experience in the wine industry, Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood decided to have a crack at their own venture sourcing fruit mainly from high quality vineyards in McLaren Vale to produce wines under their Ministry of Clouds label. Further broadening their portfolio they also added other varieties including Riesling from the Clare Valley.

2023 was the third year in a row to experience a cool growing season in the Clare Valley resulting in intensely flavoured Rieslings with healthy natural acidity and exceptional length. 93% of the grapes were sourced from the terrarossa/ red loam laid over limestone of the renowned Watervale subregion often referred to as "The Golden Mile", with picking times staggered to retain natural acidity. The balance was sourced from the lean, hungry and rocky soils characteristic of the cooler and later ripening hills of Penwortham.

A glorious explosion of scrumptious lime and citrus fruit.

Surrounding the brilliant water like core are distinct highlights of green. Intense aromas of lime, citrus and orange rind soar out the glass combining with talc, green apple and chalky mineral notes along the way. The explosive, super scrumptious palate sees lime and citrus fruits burst across it with terrific force, concentration and textural volume. Green apple, orange rind, chalky talc and flinty mineral characters ensue. Juicy, mouth watering acidity finishing exceptionally long, pure and crunchy.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%

Other Reviews….
Watervale and Penwortham. I sat down to taste these wines with co-winemaker Julian Forwood, and I said, this smells of lavender, and he was quite happy about that.
Pretty, perfumed, lavender, and pink grapefruit, lime. Juicy, firm powdery texture, pure and long, with a cinch of refreshing tonic bitterness. The mouth-feel of it is excellent, but not at the expense of purity and classic expression of Clare Riesling. Top shelf. Drink 2023-2033+
95 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front