Riposte by Tim Knappstein The Scimitar Clare Valley Riesling 2020

Legendary winemaker Tim Knappstein made his name with classic, ageweorthy Clare Valley Riesling. So no great surprise that his new Riposte label is going down the same path. The 2020 vintage, though, had its challenges and Tim’s team, including son Nick Knappstein, have made a good show of it. If you like riesling with a good kick of acidity then this wine will be to your liking.

Very pale in colour, almost watery white, with piquant and focussed lime and pear fruit aromas plus a dusting of spice layered over the top. It is followed by a lean and focussed palate – a core of firm acidity leads powerful, bright and zingy citrus fruits through to a long but slightly closed finish. It’s a little boisterous right now so give it a couple of years to settle and then enjoy with grilled King George whiting.