The Boneline
Dry Riesling 2024 750ml

2024 Dry Riesling

White gold - mayer lemon  -jasmin-lime bitters -caper berries- pinpoint

Vintage

In the lead-up to the 2023/24 growing season, there was much discussion about the shift in weather patterns from the La Niña conditions that had dominated the previous few vintages to the anticipated hot, dry El Niño. In reality, the transition proved gradual.

Several frost events between mid-September and the end of October required careful management, and the cool temperatures combined with wet spring weather had a significant impact on flowering—particularly among early-ripening varieties—resulting in lower-than-average yields.

The major shift in weather arrived in mid-December, when North Canterbury entered a classic long, hot, and dry summer, reminiscent of the 2020 vintage. This was followed by a cooler but equally dry autumn, allowing an extended hang time that encouraged the development of beautifully concentrated flavours, ripe phenolics, and fine natural balance.

Vinification

Our estate-grown grapes are hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed gently over several hours. The juice is fermented with a high proportion of solids, leaving behind only the heaviest lees at racking to preserve purity and texture.

Approximately 90% of the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, with half of this portion fermented using native yeasts to enhance complexity and site expression. The remaining 10% is fermented with native yeast in old French oak barrels, adding subtle texture and depth to the final wine.

Fermentation proceeds at a moderate temperature and is arrested when the sugar, acid, alcohol, and phenolics are in perfect balance. The wine is then held at a cool temperature to retain a fine natural CO₂ spritz from primary fermentation. Following fermentation, it is racked and matured on fine lees for six months before being gently filtered and bottled.

Wine

Pale gold hues with silver and green tints.

The nose is expressive and pure, opening with aromas of sweet apple, lime oil, white flowers, and fresh summer herbs.

On the palate, green citrus and lime zest take the lead, supported by a fine textural richness derived from high-solids fermentation. A gentle natural spritz lifts the mid-palate, adding vibrancy and tension. The interplay of pithy phenolics and crisp, cleansing acidity creates a tactile mouthfeel that lingers long after the wine has gone — a finish that is both precise and resonant.

Tech

Parcel 1:       Picked 14//04/24             pH: 3.05       TA: 8.0          Brix: 21.4

Bottled: 27/02/25             Alc:12.5%.  pH:2.86       TA: 7.7          RS:7.4g/l