Framingham Classic Riesling 2022  £20.60

FRAMINGHAM CLASSIC RIESLING 

The Framingham label was launched in 1994 with one Riesling and has since expanded to include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Framingham produces wines from their 19.5-hectare estate vineyard (certified organic since 2014) and other selected sites. Their Riesling vines, planted in 1981, are among the oldest in Marlborough. Andrew Brown joined Framingham as head winemaker in January 2020, replacing Dr Andrew Hedley, who resigned from his role after 18 years at the helm. A highly regarded winemaker, Brown previously spent seven years at Framingham as assistant winemaker and understudy to Andrew Hedley before working as a consultant in regions including Oregon, Central Otago and Alsace. Last year, one of Brown's Rieslings won the Champion Riesling Trophy at the New Zealand International Wine Show; a fitting accolade from someone taking the reins at Framingham, who have always been renowned for their Rieslings.

Fruit for the Framingham Classic Riesling was sourced from their estate vineyard in the Wairau Valley. The alluvial, well-drained soils of the Wairau were formed by the sedimentation of the Wairau River. In the warm centre of the valley – where there is low rainfall and relatively low frost risk – Framingham is able to harvest controlled yields at desired ripeness. Extensive crop thinning and a degree of leaf plucking are practised when necessary, giving low yields of grapes that have had managed exposure to sunlight.

The 2022 vintage started with a very wet and mild winter, leading to a strong and even bud-burst with healthy canopy growth. Variable weather during flowering caused uneven fruit-set, but with decent yields nonetheless. Amazing weather in January was followed by a challenging wet February, promoting the growth and spread of botrytis. Careful fruit thinning and numerous selective hand-harvesting passes resulted in only the targeted fruit reaching the winery.

The fruit for this wine comes from all four sections on the estate, with each parcel being handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juices were predominantly fermented in stainless steel tanks with a small proportion fermented and aged in acacia barrels. All components were aged on full ferment lees without SO2 for around five months prior to being blended and bottled.

This Riesling opens with aromas of red apple and mandarin pith before the vibrant fruit of orange and apricot take hold on the palate. These flavours are underpinned by juicy acidity and an elegant texture.

The Real Review - 95 Points

Picked seven times over a month to give an array of complex flavours from green apple, to oyster shell, lime zest, white flowers and a tiny hint of honey. A concentrated wine that will age well. Made in the style of 'Classic Rieslings' around a decade ago. From 38-year-old vines

Bob Campbell MW