Winemakers Collection Nelson 'Sweet Agnes' Riesling 2009 - Cellar Release

Trophy (International) - Decanter World Wine Awards 2010, UK
Trophy (Regional) - Decanter World Wine Awards 2010, UK
Gold Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2010, UK
Gold Medal - Japan Wine Challenge 2010
Gold Medal - International Sweet Wine Challenge 2009
Pure Silver Medal - Air NZ Wine Awards 2010
Pure Silver Medal - Bragato Wine Awards 2010
Silver Medal - NZ International Wine Show 2009
4 Stars - Winestate Magazine 2010

Vineyard: Seifried Brightwater vineyard
Sugar at Harvest: 38°Brix
Residual Sugar: 200 g/L
Date of Harvest: April 2009
pH of Wine: 3.17
T.A of Wine: 10.6g/L

The Brightwater vineyard was planted with Riesling in 1999. These vines are grown in an extremely stony area of the vineyard, where water and nutrient levels are low. This helps to restrict plant vigour and crop at low levels. To further enhance the aromatics we removed leaves to allow light penetration and air movement around the fruiting zone.

Using 100% Riesling fruit, the grapes were hand selected at the peak of ripeness with a large portion of the fruit shrivelled and raisined, caused by natural dehydration. The grapes were then gently pressed to release a very concentrated intensely flavoured juice. The sweetness level of the juice was 38° Brix.

The fermentation was initiated immediately and continued for about two and a half weeks. During this time, the wine was monitored and tasted regularly. The young wine was then filtered and stabilised before bottling in July 2009. The residual sugar in the wine is 200g/L.