Knappstein 1878 Transcendence Clare Riesling 2025
- 97
- $70
- Drink by: 2025-2055
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Wonderful to see producers treating Riesling with the reverence and seriousness that we see with almost every other variety. It deserves it. The aim here was Riesling in its purest and most pristine form. From a blend of microclimates across the Clare Valley, the fruit undergoes a long and cool fermentation. Stunning Riesling which deserves full support from lovers of this great variety. From 40 year old vines, just 1378 bottles made. It is beautifully packaged. This is an exquisitely crafted Riesling, the colour of which is a pale lemon hue. We have notes of limes, spices, white jasmine and river pebbles on the nose. Immaculately balanced, there is real persistence here along with the fine line of acidity. Extremely long, this is taut and yet offers such concentration. Ethereally elegant, this is a beautiful Riesling which will provide pleasure for at least the next twenty to thirty years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
