Specifications
Vintage: 2021
Region: Eden Valley
Winemaker: Joanne Irvine
Alcohol/Vol: 12%
Residual Sugar: 0.69g/L (dry style)
Vegan
Case Size: 6 packs
Ideal serving: at around 8 – 10ºc
Cellaring: Exceptional drinking immediately and will cellar with confidence, under the correct cellaring conditions, for at least 10-12 years for those who enjoy an aged Riesling.
2021 MACKENZIE WILLIAM 1896 RIESLING
$32.00
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Our Mackenzie William Riesling is named after our grandson Mack. Our estate grown single vineyard Eden Valley Riesling grapes are delicately picked from our longstanding vines planted in the 1960s, 1980s, and from our cherished, deep rooted 1890s vines – believed to be some of the oldest in Australia. Each batch of fruit bestows its unique attributes, creating quintessential Eden Valley citrus and minerally characters which our region is so well known for, and a complexity that ensures our dry style’s impressive length of finish.
“As pretty as a picture upon opening…. all lemon blossom floating above kaffir lime leaf, layered over something slightly heady that reminds you of a spring garden in full bloom… and that’s even when it’s chilled to bits, straight from the fridge! In its youth, Eden Valley Riesling is at its absolute best when it lands on your tongue like a lightning bolt of citrusy zip and zing! And that’s exactly what the 2021 vintage of the Brockenchack Mackenzie William 1896 Eden Valley Riesling delivers. The flavour ‘spin cycle’ goes on to see-saw between lime and lemon, lemon zest and citrus oil… over a snap, crackle and pop live acid undercarriage that finishes as clean as a whistle – thanks in a big way to the granite laced dirt that has been supporting these old Riesling vines for 125 years.
Brockenchack sits right in the middle of the saddle between Peggy’s Hill and Mt Mckenzie, up there in the Eden Valley high country of the Barossa Ranges, and those cool evenings make all the difference to the volume of aroma and flavour that Brockenchack can trap in the bottle.” ~Jane Ferrari~
As a youngster, Eden Valley Riesling is at its absolute best when it lands on your tongue like a lightning bolt of citrusy zip and zing! Vintage 2021 has been really really kind to the new release Brockenchack Mackenzie William 1896 Eden Valley Riesling, because this is exactly what happens.
The flavour ‘spin cycle’ goes on to see-saw between lime and lemon, lemon zest and citrus oil… over a snap, crackle and pop live acid undercarriage, that finishes as clean as a whistle – thanks in a big way to the granite laced dirt that has been supporting these old Riesling vines for 125 years.
They sit right in the middle of the saddle between Peggy’s Hill and Mt Mckenzie, up there in the Eden Valley high country of the Barossa Ranges, and those cool evenings make all the difference to the volume of aroma and flavour that Brockenchack can trap in the bottle.
The Mackenzie William 1896 Eden Valley Riesling is as pretty as a picture when you crack the screw cap – all lemon blossom floating above kaffir lime leaf, layered over something slightly heady that reminds you of a spring garden in full bloom… and that’s even when it’s chilled to bits, straight from the fridge!
The combination is extremely impressive and is perfect paired with anything seafoody, Mediterranean or Asian. Or as the ultimate refresher on its own!
~ Jane Ferrari ~
94 Points | Wine Orbit – Sam Kim
“Fabulously elegant and delicately fragrant, showing lime/lemon zest, Granny Smith apple and floral aromas, leading to a linear palate that’s juicy and beautifully focused. Wonderfully structured by firm acidity, finishing impressively long and mouth-watering. At its best: 2023 to 2033.” ~April 2022~
Silver | 2021 Melbourne International Wine Competition
92 Points | WineFolio, NZ – David Walker Bell
“From Eden Valley in South Australia, and from the Barossa’s oldest Riesling vines, planted in 1896. A super pale green-straw in the glass, with subtle, youthful aromatics. Sliced green pear, lime sherbert, dried apple and a lift of freesia florals on the nose. The palate sneaks up on you, like an unoaked Chardonnay – bone dry, with a driving acidity. Serious and taut, showing a fruit purity and freshness that is mouth-watering and succulent. A distinctive pop of finger lime (so Aussie!) in the mid-palate, and some zing of ginger, bergamot and mandarin peel. The finish has energy and focus with good length. A potential star – worth cellaring.”
92 Points | Winepilot – Jeni Port
“There’s a wine tasting term that succinctly sums up one of the big attractions of Eden Valley riesling – line and length. It indicates a strong, structural line of acidity, not hard or aggressive but naturally endowed that provides the tension between fruit and acidity that drives the wine long.”
History of Quality:
2020 – Gold Medal | 2020 Melbourne International Wine Show + Eden Valley Riesling Winery of the Year
2018 – Silver Medal | 2018 Melbourne International Wine Show
2016 – Silver Medal | 2018 NZ International Wine Show
2015 – Silver Medal | 2015 Perth Royal Wine Show
2014 – Bronze Medal | 2014 Barossa Wine Show
2013 – Silver Medal | 2013 Barossa Wine Show
2012 – Silver Medal | 2013 Barossa Wine Show
2011 – Gold Medal | 2011 Barossa Wine Show
Winter rainfall in Eden was only 5% below average, with August being the wettest month for the winter period, filling our dams which we were oh so grateful for, because from November, dry conditions ensued. Growing season rainfall (Oct-Mar) was 20% below average with only February recording above average rainfall.
Temperatures were relatively mild for much of the growing season, providing ideal conditions for growth and berry development. Flowering was uninterrupted this year, allowing good fruit set.
Night-time temps during spring and summer were cooler than normal. These cooler nights are critical to, and the hallmark for, the quality of grapes and wines from our Eden Valley vineyard, allowing our vines time to rest, and allowing aromatic flavours, finesse and natural acidity to be maintained.
The mild daytime conditions provided optimal ripening, allowing great fruit flavours to develop.
Whilst yields across the region varied depending on water supply, they were mostly higher than vintage 2020, which is the case with your 2021 crop.
Quality is exceptional from our 2021 Eden Valley vintage. Whites are fine with amazing natural acid and intense flavours. Reds are flavourful and deeply coloured. A vintage for now, and for the long term.
Ref: Brooke Howell and Louisa Rose (Yalumba) on behalf of Barossa Grape & Wine Association; SA Winegrape Crush Survey 2021 Barossa Zone Report, Eden Valley Wine Region, Wine Australia, July 2021
