Pressing Matters R139 Riesling 2021

A huge nose of intense lime, apricot and honey. The palate is rich and unctuous, with fabulous concentration but never heavy. It builds and finishes with a crescendo of cumquat and preserved lime notes. Tangy acidity is cleverly concealed and keeps everything in check and lively.

On the palate, this wine unfolds with richness and unctuous texture, showcasing fabulous concentration without becoming cumbersome. The experience crescendos with vibrant cumquat and preserved lime notes, while cleverly concealed tangy acidity ensures a balanced and lively finish.

Crafted using the traditional cane-cut method, the Riesling grapes are left to wither on the vine after severing, concentrating sugars and intensifying natural flavours. Carefully hand-picked, the fruit is gently bag-pressed, cold-settled, and fermented at cool temperatures using a neutral yeast to preserve the clarity and aromatic precision of the Riesling grape.

Fermentation is deliberately halted to retain its signature sweetness, followed by 6–8 weeks of lees ageing, adding subtle texture and complexity to the palate.

Expect vibrant notes of preserved lime, apricot, marmalade, and bergamot, layered with hints of brown sugar and rosewater. The palate is rich and unctuous yet finely balanced by piercing acidity, offering both indulgence and elegance in every sip.

Two families brought together from a love of wine supported by a passionate and talented team.

Melick family
Greg Melick AO SC and wife Michelle founded Pressing Matters in 2002, inspired by the potential of the neighbouring Morningside Vineyard to produce the noble European varieties of Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet. The first vintage was in 2006.

Greg is a wine lover and international wine citizen. Wearing many hats: Senior Counsel; 52 years in the ADF Reserve with the last 12 as Major General; national/international wine judge; Master Judge of Wine, his services to wine education and the show system have been awarded by peak bodies including recognition of the ‘Avery Forum‘.

As busy as Greg is in his first careers, he finds time to ‘run interference’ in key aspects of the vineyard. His love of Mosel and Burgundy wines inspires Pressing Matters but Greg’s role as father and grandfather are his proudest achievements.

Hall family
The opportunity to unite the Morningside vineyard with Pressing Matters saw the Hall family join the Melicks as partners in late 2019. A friendship formed from a love of burgundy and holidays shared in the family home in Meursault now fuels the next stage of the Pressing Matters story. Significant investment in a new winery, tasting room and general infrastructure and new plantings are some of the first steps of the partnership.

96 Points Halliday Wine Companion