Who makes it?

Rag & Bone Riesling is produced by the Smalltown Vineyards (ex-Magpie Estate) which is a collaborative partnership between Rolf Binder and UK wine retailer, Noel Young. Rolf and his sister, Crista Deans, are better known in Australia for the highly acclaimed label, Rolf Binder, started by their father in the Barossa Valley. Crista has made the Rag & Bone Riesling using Eden Valley fruit. The Eden Valley is known as one of Australia’s classic Riesling regions. It is a cool climate wine region that sits on the edge of the range behind Adelaide. It sits between Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley.

What does it taste like?

Rag & Bone’s typical Eden floral notes lift the zesty lime Riesling profile while savoury riverstone adds complexity. It is a dry white with a soft acid that keeps the wine fresh and crisp. Perhaps less known outside of Australia, many good Australian riesling’s do well with some age. And so, if you leave it laying down in the cellar Rag & Bone will take on some additional honeyed fullness in five years or so.

What to drink it with?

Of course, a Riesling like this is great company for seafood, or chicken, or grilled haloumi.  As any Riesling lover will tell you it can certainly handle some spice.

Quickie review « A wine such as this that makes Eden Valley Riesling, in all its crisp lime citrus and pretty floral notes, so hard to say no to. »

Country of Origin: Eden Valley, Australia
Tasting Date: May 2019 & January 2023
Price:  £14 | AU$25
Drink: now – 5+ years
Needs food: no
Source: Tasting

Are you an Eden Valley Riesling lover? Click here for the review of Henschke Julius Riesling and here for the review of Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling. Two classics from the Eden Valley.

See Magpie Estate for more information.