Hesketh Watervale Riesling 2023

If I may be allowed to insert a personal note, nothing one loves more than including a ‘blind’ Clare Riesling in a tasting of star wines from around the globe. You can be guaranteed that the wine snobs will absolutely adore it, well at least until they find out it is probably a tenth or even less of the price of other wines on show. Everyone should have at least a few cases of good Clare Riesling in their cellar, and this is a good one (and cracking value). Transparent lemon hue, the nose offers us orange rind, hints of glacéd fruit and bright lemon notes. It is a little more forward than some, and certainly more forward than we might find with some neighbouring sub-regions, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Soft and clean, there is a hint of a chalky backing. Very good length, fine balance and bright, zesty acidity.