This is the third release of Ruchioch and the second to carry the name of the vineyard. While the vine age, elevation and soil profiles are all similar to Col's PHR source, Ruchioch is a very low-cropping site. It produces a Riesling that stands out from its Polish Hill River peers with amplified flavour, pulpy mid-palate concentration and tongue-wrapping texture. Then there's the flavour spectrum that can dip into tropical territory, all the while remaining taut and refined.

The aromas are delicate yet complex--we're in white flower, wild fern and fennel seed territory here. The palate has balletic poise; it's elegant and fine yet floods the mouth with chalky texture and steely energy. Expect notes of citrus blossom, lemon sherbet and white flowers, with a twist of juicy phenolics on the stony aftertaste. A stunner of a Clare Riesling and it's only getting started.

WINEMAKING:
Fruit harvested in the cool of the morning, destemmed, crushed then pressed. The free run juice is fractioned, settled and fermented cool until dryness.

REGION: Polish Hill River / Clare
VINEYARD: Ruchioch
GROWER: Brodie Smith
ELEVATION: 465m
VINE AGE: 22 years
SOIL PROFILE: Grey sandy loam on shale and limestone
FARMING: NASAA certified organic

Alc/Vol: 11.2%