ESTATE RIESLING 2024  VARIETY: 100% Riesling     REGION: Mount Barker, WA  SEASON NOTES  2024 was the earliest season on record for the Great Southern, eclipsing 2014, 2018 and 2020 (our most recent warm years) in terms of average start and finish times. Winter 2023 was cool and wet, providing good subsoil moisture, however Spring conversely was warm, dry and stable, flowering was compact in its timing for most varieties. Fruit set from flowering provided below long-term average yields, and the ongoing dry conditions ensured an accelerated  but uniform ripening season. Some heat spikes from late-January through to mid-February ensured winemakers and viticulturists were on their toes with  the key to success being regular tasting and inspecting blocks and being nimble to harvest fruit at a whim. The resulting wines thus far seem to have lovely fruit expression, fuller palate profiles yet still balanced acidity, length and complexity that our wines are known for.  WINEMAKING  Due to the conditions of the 2024 vintage,  we’ve had to adjust our fruit sources  out of necessity. Our selection remains  predominantly from Mount Barker, now  enhanced by the inclusion of cooler sites in  Porongurup and Denmark. These additions  bring a refreshing balance of acidity and f loral notes.  TASTING NOTE  The warmer vintage influenced the style of  Castelli Estate Riesling, resulting in a riper  profile compared to previous years. However,  the addition of fruit from Porongurup  and Denmark has balanced the palate,  maintaining the hallmark acidity of previous  Mount Barker dominant vintages.  WINE DATA  ALC/VOL:   12.5% pH:    3 T/A:    17 RESIDUAL SUGAR:  8.- g/l Vegan Friendly