Atlas 172° Riesling

Atlas 172° Watervale Riesling 2025 from Atlas Wines in the Clare Valley would sit firmly in the classic Watervale mould – bone‑dry, citrus‑charged and mineral, with old‑vine precision and serious ageing potential – much like the highly regarded recent 172° releases. Expect lifted lime zest, lemon juice and grapefruit, wrapped around white florals, green apple and lemongrass, with a chalky, flinty edge that screams Watervale’s limestone soils and keeps the wine laser‑focused and refreshing. The palate should be vibrant and linear, intensely citrus‑driven but finely structured, finishing long on lemon pith, bath‑salt minerality and mouthwatering acidity.

On the table, Atlas 172° Watervale Riesling is a dead‑set winner with freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters, prawns with lime and chilli or delicate white fish – crumbed gar, whiting or pan‑fried snapper – where that bone‑dry citrus line cuts beautifully through brine and fat. It also shines with Thai salads, Vietnamese herbs, or lightly spiced vegetarian dishes like lemongrass tofu, thanks to its pure fruit and crisp structure. Goat’s cheese, fresh chèvre and young pecorino are cracking matches, the acidity slicing through the cream while the florals and citrus lift the whole plate.

Given the vineyard provenance and style, Atlas 172° Watervale Riesling 2025 is likely built to age a decade or more, developing toasty, honeyed and gently kerosene notes while still holding its line of acidity – very much in line with earlier 172° vintages that have already shown this trajectory. Right now it would drink beautifully as a crisp, high‑energy Clare Valley classic that over‑delivers for the price, especially if you’re into minimal‑intervention whites that still feel ultra‑polished and pure. If you love Clare Riesling that’s both refreshing today and a smart cellar bet, Atlas 172° is exactly that kind of bottle.