The 2009 Sali’s Block Riesling is an off-dry style containing 20 grams per liter of residual sugar. It has pleasant yeasty, Golden Delicious apple aromas with some fresh pear slices and a touch of orange zest plus suggestions of chalk and white pepper. Crisp acid is offset by a notable touch of sweetness and a good concentration of stone fruit flavors going long into the finish. The palate still seems young and a little tight and it should be best 2012 to 2016. Although Riverby Estate produces a good Marlborough Sauvignon, the pursuit of high quality Riesling is the focus here.No known USA importer.

The 2008 Sali’s Block Riesling is also off-dry with a little less residual sugar than the 2009 at 15 grams per liter. It displays intense lime juice and waxy lemon aromas with supporting notes of paraffin, honeysuckle and bees wax. The palate is opening with soft styled, approachable flavors and racy acid. It finishes long and lemony. Delicious now, it should cellar to 2015. Although Riverby Estate produces a good Marlborough Sauvignon, the pursuit of high quality Riesling is the focus here.No known USA importer.

The 2007 Sali’s Block Riesling is another excellent Riesling from this Marlborough estate. A wonderful, complex, well defined nose with more orange-blossom and dried apricot scents than the 2008. Very well balanced on the palate, vigorous, a great sense of purpose. Citrus fruit, lime, touches of peach and orange zest with precision on the finish. Delicious! I was impressed by the consistency of this Marlborough producer who delivers a range of crisp, well-crafted, vivacious white wines that are best consumed within the first two or three years of their life.Importer: Zeal Wine Imports, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 573-8513