Mitchell’s Watervale Riesling 2025 from Clare Valley is a benchmark expression handcrafted in the traditional low-intervention style first released in 1977, showcasing the world’s most noble grape with great intensity and the story of its origins. The 2025 vintage packs a punch with zingy lemon and lime touched by kaffir lime and bay leaf, while a wild edge brings flinty struck match and salty wet sand aromas creating remarkable mineral character. Pure lemon and lime power through the palate with acidity that dances and lifts every citrus-loaded sip, balanced perfectly by soft welcoming texture and an energetic, lively finish – it’s summer in a glass with a hint of stormy intrigue.

This Clare Valley Riesling pairs brilliantly with fresh oysters where its prickly minerality and crisp acidity cut through briny richness, while grilled fish and seafood allow the wine’s citrus character to shine. Spicy Asian cuisine and soft goat cheese also make ideal matches, with the wine’s refreshing acid providing perfect balance.

Scored 95 points and Special Value Wine by Mike Bennie at Halliday Wine Companion, plus 96 points Gold by Stuart Pigott at James Suckling, this stellar vintage showcases exceptional flavour development from an extremely slow ripening period. At 12.5% alcohol with cellaring to 2038, this is straight-up delicious with emphatic regional character in lime, bath salts and almond cream – a bloody ripper.