The Boneline
Hell Block Riesling 2023 750ml

HELL BLOCK RIESLING 2023

Green Gold – Lime Sherbert – Wet stones- Mandarin peel – Salt toffee - Luminous

Vintage

North Canterbury’s 2023 vintage was defined by all the hallmarks of the La Niña weather pattern, while the region was fortunate to be un scathed from Cyclone Gabrielle, the pattern brought increased cooler easterly weather and less of the heat from our traditional nor’ wester. Bud burst was reasonably early at the end of September. From there the temprature was slow to increase but reached above average levels by the time flowering started. The Summer weather was mild with above average growing degree days while rainfall levels followed the long term average until March when Cyclone Gabrielle hit the country. While we did receive over 100mm of rain in March, the combination of open canopies and our free d raining soil meant we avoided any pressure for disease or delay in ripening. Generally settled weather during the harvest period allowed for very careful picking decisions allowing for the 2023 wines to be rich and textural. Vinification Our Estate grown grapes are hand harvested, then whole bunch pressed gently over several hours. The must settled overnight before being racked off gross solids taking only fluffy lees. Fermentation is al lowed to proceed slowly at low temperature and stopped when the sugar, acid, alcohol and phenolics are in balance. We hold the wine at a cool temp for the remainder of it’s time in the cellar to retain its natu ral co2 spritz from primary ferment. The wine is racked and spends 6 months on fine lees before bottling. Wine Pale green gold and silver streaks. Delicate notes of apple blossom, honeysuckle, mandarin zest with min eral undertones. On the palate - lime oil, fleshy stone fruits, ripe red delicious and tangerine peel. Bright acidity gives the palate freshness and is bal anced with generous fruit sweetness. These aspects are accentuated by the natural spritz retained from fermentation which give a lift in the midpalate. The reprise is long and lingering with a satisfyingly crisp clensing texture.

Tech Parcel 1: Picked 31/03/23 pH: 2.96 TA: 9.20 Brix: 20.5 Parcel 1: Picked 04/04/23 pH: 2.92 TA: 9.20 Brix: 21.7 Final Wine: Bottled 28/03/24 pH: 2.86 TA: 8.17 Alc: 10.3% RS 27.8g/L 11.4% Alc/Vol