Bannockburn's Riesling is really hitting its stride. Riesling was one of the first varieties to be planted in Bannockburn's original Olive Tree Hill vineyard in 1976. Today, most of the fruit still comes from this one acre of original, own-rooted, now quite low-yielding block at the top of the north-facing slope on the property. A small portion of vines planted in 2015 as an extension of the Winery Block is also in the mix. We don't need to tell you about Riesling's knack for expressing place, and Bannockburn's deep-rooted old vines do a stellar job of soaking up every ounce of expression from these ancient limestone rocks.
2026 was a cool, dry season marked by slow, steady ripening and moderate yields; low disease pressure and cooler temperatures through the season helped preserve freshness and natural acidity. Fruit was picked progressively through March in excellent condition. Handpicked bunches were whole-bunch pressed, settled overnight, and racked to stainless steel tank for a temperature-controlled wild fermentation, before resting on lees for three months prior to bottling. It's a wonderfully bright and detailed release: a refined, classical expression of the Moorabool Valley, with citrus and white florals leading to fresh, crisp flavours, fine structure, and a mouthwatering chalky finish built on freshness and restraint.