From: Eden Valley, Barossa, Australia
Varietal: Riesling
The prestigious Pewsey Vale Vineyard, a beacon of Australian viticulture, was established in 1847 in the Eden Valley. This marked the inception of Australia's first cool-climate wines. The visionary behind this venture was Joseph Gilbert, an influential figure in the early days of Australian viticulture. Born in England, he migrated to South Australia in the 19th century and in 1847, he laid the foundation of the Pewsey Vale Vineyard in the Eden Valley, now recognized as one of the oldest vineyards in the region.
Gilbert's contribution to Australian wine is significant, not just for planting vines but for recognizing the potential of the Eden Valley for cool climate viticulture, particularly suited for producing high-quality Riesling. His foresight in selecting and developing this area set the stage for it to become one of the premier wine-producing regions in Australia.
In addition to his work in viticulture, Joseph Gilbert was also involved in other agricultural pursuits. He was influential in the broader development of the rural landscape in South Australia during the colonial period. His legacy is preserved in the continuing excellence of Pewsey Vale wines and the enduring recognition of his early role in establishing the Australian wine industry.
Taste & Critical Acclaim: Pale straw in colour with green hues. Intense classic lemon aromas, with a hint of white flowers. Bottle aged characters of toast, clove oil and lemongrass emerge and combine with the still fresh citrus and white flowers of its youth. The palate has great length and depth with concentrated power and fresh, pristine lime juice overlaid with toasted brioche, sage oil and lime marmalade.
"So vibrant for it’s age, this has great concentration of candied-lime and grapefruit-zest character. Terrific structure and energy on the driving palate, but all of this is wrapped in rich citrus fruit to create stunningly complete harmony. Very long and compact finish that suggests this has at least a further decade of aging potential. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - 97 points James Suckling
"The 2016 The Contours Riesling leads with cold buttered toast, creamed honey, fennel seeds and brine, while in the mouth, the wine expands to fill every available space. This is rich, complex and so fresh. It's kindly held back in the cellar for our drinking pleasure, so it is definitely ready for immediate consumption; but should you choose to rest this another decade or two, that would also be great. Drink 2022-2037." 95 points Wine Advocate
Pairing: For seafood, the minerality and saline notes of the wine beautifully complement fresh oysters, while grilled prawns with garlic and herb butter echo its buttery nuances. Poultry and pork dishes like roast chicken or pork with sage can enhance the wine's herbal notes, enhanced by a citrus glaze. In vegetarian options, a fresh goat cheese salad with green apples and walnuts or an asparagus risotto can match the wine’s creamy texture and earthy tones. For Asian cuisine, consider a Thai green curry with chicken or tofu to complement the wine’s aromatic profile, or explore rich flavors with a duck breast with a five-spice glaze or a tofu pad Thai garnished with fresh lime wedges, both of which will balance the wine's acidity. Desserts like a lemon tart or almond cake can amplify the wine's notes of lemon and almond, making for a harmonious pairing.
Five-Spice Duck Breast With Blackberries
By David Tanis
