2024 Forrest Botrytised Riesling 375ml Bottles

Luscious, complex, intense. Botrytis and Riesling go together naturally and this is why with aromas bursting in candied citrus, apricot crumble, honeyed fig, peach, baked quince, orange peel and classic Botrytis lemon-citrus notes. Arrives fresh and lively on the palate delving deep into citrus, mandarin, honeyed stone fruits and apricot flavours with a feature of arresting spice. What’s for dessert? How about fresh fruit tart?

The team look to three different vineyards in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, a beautiful part of the world better known to some of us as a source of some of the best brown trout fly-fishing on the planet, for fruit which has gone through the Botrytis process. Two of these vineyards are very close to the river on free draining soil, while the third is in the Southern Valleys sub-region. This is an absolutely cracking example of the style. Another arrow in the Marlborough quiver. Deep gold in colour, on the nose we find lovely notes of honey, butterscotch, apricot jam, white chocolate, florals and beeswax. There is extremely good length here and it is, quite simply, a thoroughly enjoyable dessert style, which should last for at least twelve to fifteen years. It finishes with notes of honey and caramel. Just a little bit decadent. Make this your guilty pleasure.