Taka K 'Tussock Terrace' Riesling 2023

96/100 – Stephen Wong MW
93/100 – Cameron Douglas MS

“Pale white-gold. Initially reticent, with air it blossoms into a soaring bouquet with delicate layers of floral, sweet spiced citrus, flint and pith. The palate is ripe with bright, intense citrus and stone-fruit flavours, fantastic power and depth, savoury hints of bacon fat, pastry and vanilla on the long, long finish. A very successful example in the Germanic model: an impressive wine with a density and ageability that seems like etched marble. Expect it to develop gracefully for a long time. Drink 2025 to 2042.” – Stephen Wong MW

“A classic bouquet of fresh citrus and mineral soil attributes, very floral with an exotic edge pushed along by a leesy quality. As the wnie opens out on the nose the aromas of apple and citrus zest expand. Dry to just dry on the palate with silky texture, high acidity and contrasting core white fleshed and citrus fruit flavours, the lees quality adds complexity and mouthfeel. A lovely wine, perfect as an aperitif with best drinking from 2023 through 2029+.” – Cameron Douglas MS

Winemaking Notes: Waxy honeydew and citrus on the nose, with light florals and a slightly autolytic/bready quality. Impeccably balanced on the palate, showing Takahiro Koyama’s influence from his time working in the Mosel in Germany, with a precisely-judged acid line cutting through the white-fleshed fruit character. A delicate, subtly off-dry expression with length and depth. Good drinking now, and will cellar well for 5 years. From vines planted in 2004 on gravelley and sandy soil. After being carefully hand harvested from a Gravel Soil vineyard in Waipara Valley, grapes were gently pressed and slowly fermented at low temperature to preserve the sweet, distinctive, precious aroma of Riesling.

Alcohol: 12.5%

Variety: Riesling

Region: Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, New Zealand

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:

A STUDY IN WAIPARA REGIONALITY

When Takahiro Koyama, owner winemaker of Taka K Wines came to New Zealand in 2003, it was to study Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. He was offered to work with CP Lin at Mountford Estate as a cellar hand while he was a student at Lincoln.

During his time at Mountford, Takahiro went overseas several times to experience different winemaking. First it was Weingut Keller in Rheinhessen, Germany in 2006 (Riesling) and then it was Au Bon Climat in Central Coast California in 2007 and 2008 (Pinot Noir/Chardonnay plus other varieties).

Taka K Wines is Takahiro’s own label, and it is represented by the ouroboros – an ancient symbol of a serpent or dragon eating its own tail, signifying rebirth or renewal.

Taka K wines are produced in tiny quantities using Organic practices at every level. They reflect the variety and particularity of the very special Waipara Valley soil types and vineyard sitings.